Land is the basis for both economic development and ecosystem service provision. Its function (e.g. economic function or ecological function) is determined by land use approaches. However, the ecological functions of land-use have been neglected in current land-use classification system. In this paper, we introduce the concept of ecological land-use (ELU), and put forward a practical method to determine the type, amount, and spatial distribution of ELU based on ecosystem service evaluation. Then an ecological land-use classification system (ELUCS) is set up by adding the ELU to Current Land Use Classification for National Standard (CLUCNS). Finally, we take Beijing ELU classification as a case study. Six ELU types were identified, including land for surface water conservation, biodiversity conservation, water and soil conservation, l river protection, road protection and greenspace. These lands amount to 4560 km² covering 28% of the total area in Beijing. The identification of ELU based on ecosystem service evaluation and the ELUCS provide a new approach for regional land use planning and management.