The study used remote sensing images and DEM data of 1985, 2000 and 2011 to calculate various factors for soil and water loss in the upstream area of East Wuliangsuhai coast based on GIS. Soil and water loss in the three years was classified according to the calculated result. A quantitative study was performed for temporal-spatial variations of soil and water loss area, as well as dynamic conversion of various types of soil erosion degree. Dynamic changes of soil and water loss were predicted with the Markov model. Results indicated that from 1985 to 2000 and 2000 to 2011, soil and water loss increased year by year. For 27 years, the slightly losing area decreased by 717.43 km², and the strongly losing area increased by 389.23 km². The intensified soil and water loss area mainly concentrated on East Wuliangsuhai coast, central pastoral area and sandy area. By contrast, soil and water loss gradually decreased in the regions of Ural Mountains, Serteng Mountains and Zhashitai Mountains. Predictably, from 2011 to 2022, the slightly and mildly losing areas will continue to decrease, and meanwhile the strongly and heavily strongly losing areas will increase accordingly. The evolution of soil and water loss in the upstream area of east Wuliangsuhai coast was fully discussed for better understanding of temporal-spatial variations of soil and water loss. The study provides a scientific basis for soil and water conservation and ecological construction.