The study analyzed changes in land use in the upper Yangtze River area from 1980 to 2000 using remote sensing and GIS technology. The main types of land use change were grassland, forest, construction land, and farmland, with construction land increasing rapidly. Different regions showed varying patterns of land use change, with Sichuan having mainly farmland, forest, and grassland, while Xizang had grassland and forest. Qinghai had high land use change but a decrease in land use intensity. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of understanding regional differences in land use change for environmental management and sustainable development.