Land cover in Yunnan Province, China changed significantly from 2001 to 2010, with woodland, cropland, and grassland being the most affected. The altitude and slope of different land cover types showed distinct patterns. Future trends suggest more stability and uniformity in land cover. Regional differences in land use are influenced by geography, economic development, and land use policies. A new policy called Construction of Mountainous Town aims to optimize land use during rapid urbanization and industrialization in Yunnan.