Abstract: Objective To address climate change, the transition from high carbon to low carbon energy supply is an unavoidable trend. The natural gas and new energy sectors have pursued collaborative development, resulting in a multi-level integration scenario. The symbiosis theory is employed to elucidate the symbiotic mechanisms and coordination strategies between the natural gas and new energy industries, with the aim of fostering the growth of new energy sectors grounded in the natural gas industry chain. This approach seeks to maximize the symbiotic value of both industries and facilitate the structural transformation of energy systems. Methods Given the diversity of cooperation fields, cooperation types, and benefit distribution models, it is essential to employ the analytical framework of symbiosis theory to conduct theoretical deductions and identify the symbiotic mechanisms between the natural gas and new energy industries. By examining the three elements of the symbiotic unit, the symbiotic environment, and the symbiotic mode, a symbiotic system for the natural gas and new energy industries is constructed. Furthermore, a classification matrix of symbiotic modes, developed from the symbiotic organizational modes and behavioral modes, is introduced to analyze the interaction status, behavioral modes, and evolutionary trends of the two industries across different symbiotic interfaces. Results The symbiosis between the natural gas sector and the new energy industry is built on a solid foundation. Driven by a positive symbiotic environment, natural gas and various new energy industries create a multi-dimensional symbiotic interface, primarily evident in the areas of gas and electricity peak regulation, transportation, urban heating, oil and gas exploration, as well as the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the hydrogen energy industry chain. Based on the characteristics of energy flow, interaction status, and behavioral patterns exhibited by the symbiotic interface, the degree of organizational symbiosis between the two is relatively low, and the level of mutual benefit is also minimal. Consequently, the distribution of benefits across various symbiotic models tends to favor natural gas at the expense of new energy. Conclusion To achieve an efficient synergy between the natural gas and new energy industries, the following strategies may be implemented: First, enhance and strengthen the symbiotic units by creating symbiotic scenarios that yield greater economic, social, and environmental benefits, thereby forming complementary symbiotic units that foster the positive development of symbiotic relationships. Second, expand the two-dimensional symbiotic interface, particularly by leveraging the existing foundation for coordination between natural gas and hydrogen energy across the entire industry chain, which should be explored systematically. Third, optimize the symbiotic environment by continuously improving the systems and mechanisms that facilitate symbiotic cooperation between new energy and natural gas, while also advancing the technology for hydrogen doping in the terminal utilization of natural gas, and systematically cultivating interdisciplinary talents in low-carbon energy. Finally, accurately define the positioning of symbiosis, seek harmonious coexistence, and promote the evolution of the symbiotic model towards a higher degree of integration and mutual benefit.