[Objective] The temporal and spatial variation characteristics of ecosystem service value in Fenhe River basin from 1980 to 2020 were analyzed to provide theoretical reference for scientific regulation and management of ecological environment in the basin. [Methods] Based on interpretation data of landsat-MSS/TM/ETM remote sensing image from 1980 to 2020, the land use change characteristics of Fenhe River basin were studied, and the ecosystem service value was estimated. [Results] From 1980 to 2020, the cropland, forest and grassland had been in the leading position in the land use of Fenhe River basin. The overall change of land use was mainly from cropland to construction land, and the changing rate of land use from 2000 to 2020 was significantly higher than that from 1980 to 2000. The annual value of total ecosystem services in the Fenhe River basin decreased from 1980 to 2020.The spatial distribution of ecosystem service value (ESV) was higher in the upstream and lower in the downstream. From the perspective of different function values, the regulation and support services decreased the most. The land use degree and ESVI bivariate LISA aggregation map showed a significantly spatially negative autocorrelation pattern, which was mainly dominated by low land use degree and high ESVI aggregation distribution in the upper reaches of Fenhe River. [Conclusion] Land use/cover change of Fenhe River basin had a great impact on ESV during 1980—2020. Measures such as improving the level of land intensive use should be used to improve land use structure developing towards high ESV.