[Objective] In order to provide theoretical support for the sustainable development of ecosystems in the Mu Us sandy land, the research on the vegetation growth status in this region from 2001 to 2016 was carried out.[Methods] Based on MODIS EVI vegetation index, we analyzed the vegetation growth status of the growth season and non-growth season in Mu Us sandy land during 2001-2016. The relationship between vegetation and climate change, human activities was discussed.[Results] ① Vegetation coverage in Mu Us sandy land was relatively low. The vegetation coverage in the southern area was significantly higher than that in the northern region. ② The vegetation coverage in Mu Us sandy land showed an obvious improvement during 2001-2016. ③ In the growing season, the rate of vegetation coverage change in the southern and eastern regions was higher than that in the central and northern regions. Vegetation coverage in the southern and eastern region displayed a significant increase, and some showed a significant decrease. In the non-growth season, vegetation coverage in the southern region was mainly increased. ④ The annual maximum value of EVI in Mu Us sandy land was positively correlated with precipitation and weakly negatively correlated with temperature. The annual minimum value of EVI was strongly positively correlated with precipitation, and weakly positively correlated with temperature. ⑤ Human activities such as the increase of crop acreage, large-scale afforestation projects, and the control of large livestock numbers all contribute to the improvement of vegetation coverage.[Conclusion] Due to climatic factors and human activities, the vegetation growth of Mu Us sandy land had improved since the 21st century.