[Objective] The spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of land use in Horqin sandy land were studied in order to provide basic information for appropriate decision-making.[Methods] Based on the gravity center migration model of land use, the patterns and characteristics of spatial-temporal dynamics induced land use were analyzed with Landsat images from 1980 to 2016.[Results] The gravity center of vegetation migrated to the northwest at a rate of 64.6 m/a, and water body migrated to the southeast at a rate of 389.3 m/a. The gravity centers of construction land and cultivated land both migrated to the northeast at rates of 53.6 and 148.3 m/a, respectively. The gravity center of sandy land migrated to the southwest at a rate of 379.5 m/a.[Conclusion] There were great differences in the migration rate of gravity center among different land use types in different periods. The overall migration rate of construction land was the smallest, and water body and sand land were relatively large. This phenomenon was mainly related to the fragile ecological environment of Horqin sandy land, resulting in the sustained reduction of water resources and the rebound of sandy land at any time.