Based on2times spatial data of Horqin Sandy Land and its surrounding area,land use change was analysed with the transformation matrix and the spatial layout of9important land use change forms from1985to2000.It was found out that the increase of cultivated land was one of the most important changes,which was mainly transformed from grassland,forestland,unused land,and water bodies as well.Especially,the area of grass land that was transformed to cultivated land was the largest,being4932.0km² or63.85%of the total transformed area,with the characteristic of expanding outwards from the rim of Horqin Sandy Land.In addition,water surface decreased by7.72%,which was crucial to the evolution of environment in the study area and more attention should be given in the future.Finally,after correlation evaluation and document investigation,it was clarified that the rapid growth of population and the economic development for survival were the main driving forces of land use change in Horqin Sandy Land and its surrounding area during the past15years.Furthermore,macro-policies such as land exploitation and ecological protection were also important human driving forces of land use change.