[Objective] The temporal and spatial distribution of impervious surface ratio was analyzed in order to determine the development potential of the city, in order to provide a reference for urban plannings, such as soil and water conservation, and subsequent development.[Methods] Eighteen Landsat 3/5/7/8 images of Shenzhen City during nine periods from 1979 to 2020 were selected and used to extract the proportion information of impervious surface as the reference data. The spatiotemporal distribution of impervious surface in Shenzhen City was analyzed based on the mean center of impervious surface, standard deviation ellipse, and landscape pattern index.[Results] ① The percentage of impervious surface in Shenzhen City from 1979 to 2020 showed an increasing trend. The rate and intensity of growth was highest from 1990 to 2010, and then gradually slowed. ② Due to the unbalanced development of Shenzhen City, from 1979 to 2000, the development center moved to the northest. From 2000 to 2010, the center moved to the northwest. After 2010, the center moved in the east-west direction. In general, the development direction of Shenzhen City was mainly from east to west. ③ The change of landscape pattern showed that the landscape distribution of impervious surface at different levels was becoming more and more balanced, and the distribution trend gradually moved from fragmentation to higher and higher concentration. Connectivity gradually increased over time.[Conclusion] Different stages of impervious surface growth exhibited different temporal and spatial distribution patterns, and impervious surfaces of different densities had their own characteristics. Reducing the degree of aggregation of high-density impervious surfaces has a positive impact on future development of the city.