[Objective] The evolution characteristics of land use and landscape patterns from 2000 to 2020 and 2030 at Zhangjiajie City, Hu'nan Province were analyzed in order to propose an optimization strategy for future development of Zhangjiajie City, and to provide references for territorial space planning and eco-tourism development for Zhangjiajie City.[Methods] We analyzed land use change data for Zhangjiajie City from 2000 to 2020 using ArcGIS spatial analysis and Fragstats landscape pattern index. We used GeoSOS-FLUS land use simulation software to predict land use changes and landscape patterns for Zhangjiajie City in 2030.[Results] The land use changes were mainly manifested as a significant decrease in grassland area and a significant increase of construction land from 2000 to 2020. The landscape pattern changed significantly from 2000 to 2020. The overall heterogeneity and fragmentation of the landscape increased first and then decreased, and the shapes of patches tended to be regular. The distribution of landscape types was relatively uniform, and the degree of landscape aggregation degree gradually tended to be stable. In 2030, the land use of Zhangjiajie City was mainly manifested in the concentrated expansion of construction land and the further reduction of grassland. Landscape fragmentation and heterogeneity in Zhangjiajie City showed an increasing trend. The maximum patch area of the dominant landscape increased. The landscape shape became more irregular, and the landscape had a further dispersion trend.[Conclusion] The use of the GeoSOS-FLUS model to simulate future land use had high reliability. In the future, Zhangjiajie City should focus on protecting and optimizing the landscape pattern, and strengthening the management and control of the excellent ecosystem. We recommend the building of a nature reserve system, strengthening the construction of ecological corridors, and improving the integrity of ecosystem and landscape connectivity. We also recommend maintaining the dominant landscape of forest land, optimizing the layout of construction land, reducing the fragmentation of forest land and construction land, and protecting the integrity of the grassland ecosystem.