[Objective] The spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving forces of land use changes in Lüliang City of Shanxi Province was determined, in order to provide a reference for land management and sustainable development. [Methods] Land use data from 2000 to 2020 in Lüliang City were used to determine the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of land by using a land use transfer matrix, dynamic degree, stability degree, and standard deviation ellipse. Additionally, the PLUS model was used to determine the natural and social driving factors of land use change. [Results] ① Land use types in Lüliang City were dominated by cropland, forest land, and grassland. From 2000 to 2020, the cropland area decreased by 396.1 km², the construction land area expanded by 540.6 km², and the water area increased. The transfer of land between cropland and grassland, and between cropland and construction land dominated. Cropland was concentrated and reduced in the southeastern plain, with scattered changes in forest. Construction land expanded in clusters along valleys and roads. ② The period from 2010 to 2020 was a period of intense land use changes, with reductions in cropland, forest land, and grassland, expansion of construction land, rapid changes, and poor stability. The overall rate of land use change significantly accelerated over time. ③ Elevation had the highest contribution to land use change, followed by slope. Factors such as temperature, precipitation, population density, GDP, and distance from roads affected land use transfer. [Conclusion] From 2000 to 2020, the expansion of construction land in Lüliang City was significant, with a decrease in cropland. Heterogeneity was observed in the spatial distribution of land use, and the rate of change gradually accelerated. Controlling the encroachment of construction land on cropland, and strengthening the protection of forest resources in mountainous areas will be beneficial for sustainable regional development.