Based on spatial data interpreted from Landsat TM/ETM+images of 1990,1999-2000and 2009-2011,we analyzed the land use characteristics during the process of urbanization in Shihezi City,using GISand Fragstats 3.3software platform with combined landscape index and urban expansion index.The resultsshowed that the urban area was expanded in accordance with city planning gradually.The lands in east andwest direction were almost exhausted of urban land,and the expanding direction has been shifted towardssouth and north surrounding the developed areas.In the course of urbanization,human activity played a hugerole in forming landscape patterns.The growth rate and intensity ranked top in Xinjiang Area.