[Objective] The law and causes of land use dynamic changes in Hehuang Valley of Qinghai Province from 1980 to 2020 were studied in order to provide a scientific basis for land resource management. [Methods] Land use data (1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020), land use transfer matrix, change analysis, comprehensive dynamic attitude, and cold and hot spot analysis were used to analyze the quantity and spatial changes of land use in Hehuang Valley during 1980—2020. [Results] ① The main land use changes were the increase of grassland from 1980 to 1990 and from 2000 to 2010, and the increase in cropland and unused land from 1990 to 2000. However, there were no significant changes in the number of different land use regions from 2010 to 2020. ② The conversion of unused land to grassland occurred mainly in the southwest and north from 1980 to 1990. From 2000 to 2010, the conversion of cultivated land to grassland mainly occurred in the central region. ③ Hot spots of land use change in Hehuang Valley were mainly located in Guide, Jianzha, Xunhua, Minhe, Hualong, Menyuan counties, Tongren City, and Pingan District. The cold spots were mainly located in Datong, Menyuan County, Ledu District, and Tongren City. [Conclusion] National and local policies and other factors have led to spatial and temporal differences in land use changes. Only by selecting research methods according to local conditions and focusing on different areas, can we optimize land use structure and realize the revitalization of urban and rural areas.