[Objective] The spatial distribution and the spatial-temporal changes of cultivated land use characheritics were analyzed at provincial level since the second national land survey in China. The aim was to promote sustainable use of cultivated land, to make specific adjustments on the improvement measures.[Methods] A spatial GIS method, an index model and other scientific methods were applied to the data on the national and provincial annual land-use from 2009 to 2016.[Results] ① The total area of cultivated land in China decreased during the period from 2009 to 2016. The decrease of area in dry land was higher than the increase of that in paddy fields and irrigated land and the total area of cultivated land decreased by 4.64×10⁵ hm². The distribution and utilization of cultivated land areas varied with the difference in resource funding and socio-economic development in the provinces. ② Spatial and temporal policies on cultivated land protection largely contributed to temporal and spatial changes in cultivated land use. ③ The current cultivated land protection policy needed to be optimized based on scientific data and the analysis of the temporal and spatial changes in the use of cultivated land in China. The policy was needed to manage the development of regional cultivated land use and the environment.[Conclusion] The current cultivated land resources have substantial spatial and temporal heterogeneity and dynamic features. The change of cultivated land at the provincial level in China is affected by the evolution of global and regional policies and human intervention. It is necessary to implement appropriate and reasonable policy regulations taking into account the differences in the development of cultivated land use at the provincial level to accomplish the protection and utilization of cultivated land. Proper regulations will ensure food security, coordinate resource matching, and promote regional sustainable development.