Abstract: In this paper, the land use/cover change in Xining City and urban expansion as well as their driving mechanisms were analyzed using the dynamic degree, transition matrix and urban expansion intensity index based on the data of Landsat MSS/TM/ETM+ satellite remote sensing images, topographical maps, population, society and economy. The results show that cultivated land and forestland were dominant in land use types in Xining City during the period from 1977 to 2007, and the annual change rates of forestland and land for constructing urban and rural residential areas were the highest in all land use types. In recent 30 years from 1977 to 2007, the urban expansion of Xining City could be divided into two stages, i.e. the slow expansion stage during the period from 1977 to 2000 and the rapid expansion stage during the period from 2000 to 2007. The eastern, western and northern parts of the city were the main areas of urban expansion. Topographic factors were basic for urban expansion of Xining City, population growth and economic development were the main driving factors of land use/cover change and urban expansion, and policy factors play an important role in the promotion and guidance of land uses/cover change and urban expansion.

Key words: land use/cover change, urban expansion, driving factor, Xining City