[Objective] Soil erosion in mountainous areas in Southern Anhui Province was accurately assessed and its temporal and spatial characteristics were analyzed, in order to provide a basis for comprehensive management of regional soil erosion.[Methods] With the support of GIS technology, the daily rainfall data, 30 m resolution DEM, soil data and land use data were used to estimate the soil erosion modulus in the mountainous area of Southern Anhui Province. The Chinese soil loss equation (CSLE) was employed, the temporal and spatial changes of soil erosion in the study area in 2000, 2010 and 2018 were analyzed.[Results] From 2000 to 2010, the soil erosion modulus increased by 963.96 t/(km²·a), and the area of soil erosion intensity shifted to high intensity level. In contrast, from 2010 to 2018, the soil erosion modulus decreased by 781.22 t/(km²·a), the area of soil erosion intensity shifted from high to low, and the overall soil erosion change showed a trend of first increase and then decrease. The spatial distribution pattern of soil erosion in the three periods of the mountainous area in Southern Anhui Province was basically the same. The southeast side of Chizhou City, Tongling City, and the surrounding areas of Huangshan City were key areas for soil erosion prevention and control. In the study area, the cultivated land was mainly eroded slightly and lightly, while the forest land was mainly eroded at moderate or lower levels. The area of cultivated land and woodland eroded at moderate and higher level decreased in 2010-2018, and the effects of soil and water conservation measures were remarkable.[Conclusion] In recent years, the intensity of soil erosion in the mountainous area of Southern Anhui Province increased first and then decreased. Generally speaking, mild erosion is the main erosion type, and the subsequent soil erosion control still needs to be strengthened.