The Yili newly reclaimed area in western China has seen significant changes in land use over the past 23 years. Arable land has increased, while grassland has decreased. Sandy land and saline-alkali land have also seen notable changes. Water bodies, woodland, and land for construction are on the rise. The main source for increases in other land use types is grassland. Arable land and land for construction have shown the largest increases. Sandy land has increased due to decreases in grassland and arable land, while saline-alkali land has mainly come from marsh, grassland, and arable land. These changes highlight the need for optimal land use allocation and environmental protection in the area.