As a unique regional system that synergizes critical ecological barrier functions with economic production, the spatiotemporal dynamics of gross ecological product (GEP) in river basins hold paradigmatic significance for resolving the conservation ‒ development dilemma in ecologically functional zones. This study constructs a basin-scale GEP accounting framework encompassing three dimensions: material supply, regulatory services, and cultural services, and synthesizes models for realizing the value of ecological products in river basins. It further reveals three major constraints hindering value realization: economic development levels, geographical accessibility, and institutional policies. Taking the Chishui River basin as an example, this study quantitatively assesses GEP characteristics in 2015 and 2021. It proposes integrated development practices such as “agriculture ‒ brewing ‒ cultural tourism” synergy, bamboo carbon credit trading, and innovative cross-regional ecological compensation to drive the transformation of ecological resources into high-value-added outputs. Finally, the study proposes development pathways including multi-scale GEP accounting paradigms, innovation- and market-driven value realization mechanisms, and institutional ‒ market ‒ technical safeguards, providing actionable insights for green and high-quality development in river basins.