[Objective] The source area of Fenhe river is one of the most important water source area in Shanxi Province, but soil erosion in this area is severe. The objective of this study is to investigate the spatio-temporal variations of soil erosion in order to provide basis for soil and water conservation in this region. [Methods] We used the SPOT images(September in 2004 and 2009) as data sources, explored the spatio-temporal variations of soil erosion in the source area of Fenhe river based on GIS and USLE. The spatial autocorrelation of soil erosion in 2009 was analyzed by using GeoDa software. [Results] (1) The modulus of soil erosion showed an increasing trend from 2004 to 2009 in the source area of Fenhe river. The eroded land above moderate erosion increased as well, especially, the strong erosion and the severe erosion; (2) Spatially, severe soil erosion distributed in the southeast of the area, while slight soil erosion distributed in the northwest of the area; (3) Rainfall and vegetation cover were the most important factors that influence soil erosion in the area; (4) Except for the slight and severe erosion, the area transformed from the low to high level soil erosion was much larger than the area transformed from the high to low level soil erosion; (5) Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that soil erosion in the study area was spatially positive autocorrelated and spatial concentrated. [Conclusion] Soil erosion intensified continuously in the source area of Fenhe river, and soil erosion regulation should be strengthened.