Based on Landsat TM images of 1990, 1999, 2006 and 2010, the oasis of Jiuquan-Jinta Basin was selected as a case to study the spatial and temporal variation of land use type and evaluate the ecosystem service value. Results showed that land use in the oasis of Jiuquan-Jinta Basin changed greatly between 1990 and 2010. The areas of farmland, forestland, grassland, urban and residential land increased gradually, while water area and unused land declined greatly. The ecosystem service value of oasis of Jiuquan-Jinta Basin was 2.453 billion RMB per year in 1990, 2.699 billion RMB per year in 1999, 2.984 billion RMB per year in 2006 and 3.016 billion RMB per year in 2010. Although performing a trend of gradual growth, its growth rate decreased by 10.04%, 10.54% and 1.09%, respectively. Analysis of single ecosystem service value showed that service value was greater than value of productivity. Change trend of ecosystem service value in the study area was in accordance with ecological risk index. Therefore, there is strong need for rational development and management of water and land resources to lower the ecological risk of oasis system and provide better service for sustainable development.