[Objective] The spatial distribution patterns and influencing processes of soil pH value in typical industrial and mining areas in the Southern Taihang Mountains were analyzed, to provide scientific support for soil environmental quality assessments and pollution prevention strategies in the complex environment of this area, comprising typical industrial and mining activities. [Methods] Studying the Manghe watershed in industrial and mining areas of the Southern Taihang Mountains, 121 topsoil (0—20 cm) and auxiliary samples were collected. “3S” technology, geostatistics, geographical detectors, and other model methods were comprehensively applied to study the spatial distribution characteristics and factors influencing topsoil pH value in the research area. [Results] The soil pH value in the study area ranged from 6.40 to 8.53, with a mean value of 7.82, which was lower than the background value of the Henan section of the Yellow River basin (8.46). Compared with previous studies, the average soil pH value decreased, indicating a trend of soil acidification. Soil pH value showed weak spatial variation and was significantly influenced by factors such as terrain. When the interval distance between sites was less than 1 905 m, the spatial distribution was continuous and exhibited strong spatial autocorrelation. The spatial interpolation effect of soil pH value based on empirical Bayesian Kriging was better, and the spatial distribution of soil pH value showed an increasing gradient from the central and western regions to the northeast and south. Low-value areas were mainly located in the valleys and piedmont plains in the central and western regions. The explanatory power of individual factors on pH value was unclear; however, the superposition of slope direction, land use, and other factors significantly enhanced the explanation of the spatial distribution of soil pH value in the watershed. [Conclusion] The superposition of multiple factors, such as natural conditions and human activities, were the main drivers explaining the spatial distribution of regional soil pH value and should be the focus of regional soil environmental assessments and pollution remediation efforts.