[Objective] The temporal and spatial variations of the water ecological characteristics of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in recent 10 years, and the driving factors of the water ecological footprint changes were studied in order to provide reference for the rational development, utilization and management of water resources of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region or similar regions.[Methods] Based on the water resources consumption ecological footprint, water resources ecological carrying capacity and water ecological capacity indexes in the ecological footprint model, the temporal and spatial variations of the water ecological characteristics in the study area from 2008 to 2017 were analyzed. LMDI model was used to analyze the driving factors of the ecological footprint changes and the contribution rate of each prefecture-level city in the key driving factor.[Results] ① The ecological footprint of water resources per capita presented an overall downward trend, with an average decline rate of -0.017 4 hm²/(person·year). The water resources ecological carrying capacity and water resources ecological capacity showed a fluctuating upward trend, with the average rising rate of 0.324 6 hm²/(person·year) and 0.342 1 hm²/(person·year) respectively. All of them showed a certain differences and imbalances in space. ② Economic effect and population effect were the first and second factors to promote the growth of the water ecological footprint in the study area, contributing efficiency of 191.8% and 25.38% respectively. Technical effect and structural effect were the first and second factors restraining the water ecological footprint growth, with contributing efficiency of -238.0% and -79.18% respectively. ③ Nanning City and Guilin City contributed the most to reduce the water resources consumption ecological footprint in terms of structural effect and technical effect.[Conclusion] The ecological capacity of water resources in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was in an ecological surplus state. However, great differences existed among different cities in urban development and planning, so countermeasures should be taken according to local conditions.