[Objective] Quantitative assessment of soil erosion in West Baiyanggou watershed on the north slopes of Tianshan Mountains and its distribution characteristics were studied in order to provide the scientific basis for ecological management and soil erosion control.[Methods] Taking the West Baiyanggou watershed in Urumqi County of Xijiang Wei Autonomous Region as the research area, using the methods of sampling plot survey, geographic information system(GIS), remote sensing system(RS) and CSLE model, soil erosion was assessed and the spatial distribution of erosion intensity was analyzed.[Results] The average soil erosion modulus was 748.91 t/(km²·a) in the West Baiyanggou watershed on the north slope of the Tianshan Mountains. In most areas of this watershed, the intensity of soil erosion was at weak or slight level. Strong, extreme or severe erosions were mainly distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the basin. Soil erosion was significantly impacted by the topographic factors. In the regions with slope of 20°~40°, the highest soil erosion modulus varied between 1 127.22~1 229.62 t/(km²·a). In the regions with slope < 20°, the slope factor has a positive effect on the soil erosion modulus. While in the regions with slope of 40°~70°, the slope factor has a negative effect on the soil erosion modulus. Soil erosion mainly occurred on the south slope, southeast slope and east slope, and influenced by land use types with the following rank:shrub land[1 709.80 t/(km²·a)] > woodland[1 389.40 t/(km²·a)] > natural grassland[605.20 t/(km²·a)] > artificial pasture[334.71 t/(km²·a)] > irrigated land[113.69 t/(km²·a)].[Conclusion] The intensity of soil erosion is generally at slightness and lightness level. Strong erosion, extremely strong erosion, and severe erosion are mainly distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the basin. Soil properties, slope and land use types were closely related to the soil erosion distribution in the study area.