Objective As urbanization continues to spread around the world, the notion of metropolitan landscape is increasingly relevant to describe the hybrid spatial character of large urbanized regions beyond the urban and rural categories. Furthermore, with future uncertainties stemming from climate change, the cross-comparison of metropolitan landscapes from different contexts helps identify common global environmental challenges and draws mutual lessons regarding adaptation and mitigation strategies. We aimed to verify the cross-comparison of the Milan and Hangzhou metropolitan regions through a comparable dual portrait at the metropolitan scale.

Methods Therefore, we introduced the comparative transect method, rooted in physical geography and landscape planning, urban morphological analysis, and comparative studies, to investigate the two metropolitan landscapes. In each context, we started with framing the 100 km x 100 km study areas at the XL scale, cross-sectional transects of 100 km, and sample areas of 4 km x 4 km at the L scale. Four thematic layers of water, ecology, productive, and cultural landscape embedded in each sample area were examined from a synchronic and diachronic perspective to formulate context-sensitive design strategies.

Results The results compiled in a mirroring diptych reveal the analogies of landscape characteristics, trends, challenges, opportunities, and potential mutual learnings, and, by contrast, the uniqueness of each context. Furthermore, the transect view of both metropolitan areas illuminates the fundamental relationships between urbanization and the natural systems that support it.

Conclusion The transect view challenges the plan view that is too often limited to administrative boundaries and implies the understanding of the city as a radio-concentric system. The comparative territorial transect method offers a systematic and critical reading of metropolitan landscapes, and its results contribute to the quantitative goals such as green space and food security proposed in “Great Milan 2030” and the Hangzhou Territorial Spatial Planning 2021−2035.