[Objective] The spatiotemporal evolution patterns and driving factors of vegetation net primary productivity（NPP） in the Yangtze River delta region from 2001 to 2023 were explored in order to provide a scientific basis for formulating rational ecological protection strategies in this region. [Methods] Based on longterrn series MODIS NPP data, the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of vegetation NPP in the Yangtze River delta and its influencing factors were analyzed using trend analysis, Hurst index analysis, partial correlation analysis, residual analysis, random forest regression, and SHAP interpretable analysis. [Results] From 2001 to 2023, vegetation NPP in the Yangtze River delta showed an increasing trend, with an average annual increase of 3.39 g/（m²·a）(calculated by carbon). Its spatial distribution was characterized by high values in the south and low values in the north, among which the mean NPP of Zhejiang Province was significantly higher than that of other provinces. At the grid scale, it was found that the average Theil-Sen value of the study area was 2.71 g/（m²·a）, with vegetation NPP showing an overall increasing trend. The increase in vegetation NPP was especially pronounced in areas along both banks of the Yangtze River and around rivers and lakes. The average Hurst index of regional vegetation NPP was 0.72, indicating that the overall NPP in the Yangtze River delta would continue to increase in the future. Climatic factors contributed more to vegetation NPP variation than human activities and exerted a positive effect. Furthermore, random forest and SHAP driving factor analysis showed that precipitation, vegetation type, and elevation had relatively strong positive effects on vegetation NPP values in the study area, and that the effects of all influencing factors exhibited obvious nonlinear characteristics. [Conclusion] From 2001 to 2023, vegetation NPP in the Yangtze River delta generally maintained a steady growth trend, with ecological environmental factors playing a crucial role in NPP variation. In the future, continuous efforts should be made in the improvement of ecological environment of the Yangtze River delta to achieve sustainable carbon sink enhancement.