[Objective] This study investigated the spatial and temporal variations of soil erosion and its causes in a stretch of north main line of drawing water from the Yellow River to Shanxi Province in order to provide basis for ecological management and soil erosion control.[Methods] Using LUCC, digital elevation model(DEM) and Landsat TM4-5 imagery, coupled with monthly precipitation data from 2005, 2010 and 2015, the temporal and spatial characteristics of soil erosion intensity were derived.[Results] Soil erosion in the year of 2005 and 2015 was slight, but moderate in the year of 2010. From 2005 to 2010, soil erosion increased by 80.91%, followed by a decrease of 47.87% from 2010 to 2015. Taking the north main line as the boundary, the differences of soil erosion on both sides of the boundary was significant. The most severe soil erosion occurred near to Shuozhou City. R factor was positively correlated with soil erosion. The largest erosion area occurred when the soil type was chestnut soil, slope was 8°~15°, and land use type was cultivated land. Most serious erosion occurred in forestland and grassland with slope more than 25°.[Conclusion] The construction of the water diversion project has exacerbated soil erosion along the reach. Main controlling factors such as rainfall, soil type, slope, and land use type are closely related to the soil erosion distribution in the study area. Therefore, priority areas of water and soil conservation should be determined, and regulations should be made to prevent soil erosion and to protect local environment.