[Objective] Evaluation of spatial-temporal characteristics of the water resources carrying capacity of Yangtze River economic zone is of great significance to the rational utilization of water resources and the sustainable development of the region.[Methods] An evaluation index system of water resources carrying capacity that include 18 indices from four aspects, including social economic, the quantity of water resources, water consumption and wastewater discharge, was established. The spatial-temporal characteristics of water resources carrying capacity of the Yangtze River economic zone were evaluated using the principal component analysis method.[Results] The water resources carrying capacity of the Yangtze River economic zone increased during 2004-2013. The main factors to drive the increasing of water resources carrying capacity are natural conditions of water resources, population and economic growth, and water pollution control. The spatial differences of water resources carrying capacity of the Yangtze River economic zone are significant. The water resources carrying capacity of the eastern and the middle regions is in good situation, whereas the water resources carrying capacity of the western region is relatively poor except Sichuan Province.[Conclusion] These differences are mainly attributed to the natural conditions of water resources and the economic development level.