Abstract: Dark sky resources occupy a pivotal position in the management and conservation of protected areas. They sustain nocturnal ecological processes, preserve ecosystem integrity, and provide essential support for astronomical research, environmental education, cultural dissemination, and public interaction with nature. At present, dark sky conservation in China remains at an early stage. A mature and well-established institutional framework for protection and management has yet to be constructed. Drawing on international experience is of considerable practical significance for advancing the development of China′s dark sky conservation system. This study systematically reviews and comparatively analyses the major classification frameworks for dark sky places from the perspectives of certification standards and protection intensity. It further investigates the development trajectories of different types of dark sky places by considering site types, spatial relationships, collaborative management, and multi-stakeholder participation. Rather than focusing on the specific administrative practices of individual countries, this study mainly takes internationally recognised dark sky organisations and their certification frameworks as the analytical benchmark, distilling common classification logic, development models, and practical experience, with the aim of offering reference points for dark sky conservation efforts in China. The findings reveal pronounced differences among various types of dark sky places in terms of spatial carriers, protection intensity, functional orientation, and implementation approaches. In general, dark sky places can be associated with protected areas featuring high ecological integrity, scenic areas oriented toward astronomy and tourism, or community-based settlements that rely on public participation and lighting control for conservation. Their development trajectories have undergone continuous evolution from the strict conservation of core protected areas, to the collaborative participation of surrounding communities, and ultimately to regionally networked joint protection. This reflects a broader transition in dark sky conservation from site-based protection to integrated governance. Furthermore, dark sky places are by no means a simple extension of the protected area system. Rather, they serve as vital platforms for science education, cultural interpretation, and place-based identity construction. This paper proposes several optimization strategies for dark sky conservation in China: establishing a tiered and classified management system that aligns with China′s protected area framework and regional differences; integrating core areas, potential corridors, and coordinated control zones to optimize the overall spatial pattern of dark sky conservation; and fostering a sound multi-stakeholder engagement mechanism that links governments, research institutions, communities, and the public. Through these measures, dark sky conservation can be effectively embedded into national park development, ecological protection, local planning, and public participation mechanisms. To sum up, this study offers a reference paradigm and a practical basis for the construction of China′s dark sky conservation system. Future research should further refine the spatial identification of indigenous dark sky resources in China, expand empirical studies on local governance practices, and strengthen the theoretical foundation and implementation pathways in the field of dark sky conservation.