[Objective] This study was aimed to provide a basis for decision-making in terms of ecological protection and land use planning in the loess hilly region through exploring the effects of land use pattern on ecological risks.[Methods] Land use pattern model and land use ecological risk index were adopted to quantitatively analyze the land use patterns and ecological risk evolution characteristics.[Results] At the start point of the investigation, the land use pattern model showed a depletion pattern, and the ecological risk was higher in the Shanghuang experimental area. During 1982-2000, the production capacity of the land was improved by carrying out the construction of basic farmlands, strengthening the management of agricultural production, and developing the garden economy. The land use changed from depletion to semi-intensive pattern. Meanwhile, the ecological risk index declined from high-risk to middle-risk class. During 2000-2010, because of the policy conduct of returning farmlands to forests and grasslands, land use further changed from semi-intensive to intensive pattern, and the ecological risk index also reduced from middle-risk to lower-risk class.[Conclusion] Scientific and technological factors are the key that promote the changes of decision-making for land use patterns and ecological risks, whereas the policy factors are the necessary supplements.