[Objective] The spatio-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of the green use efficiency of cultivated land in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were studied, in order to provide decision-making basis for promoting the management and efficient use of cultivated land and promoting the green development of agriculture. [Methods] An index system was established using panel data from 14 cities and regions between 2010 and 2021. The super-efficiency SBM model was applied to estimate the green use efficiency of cultivated land, while the spatio-temporal distribution patterns and evolution trends were visualized using the ArcGIS analysis tool. Additionally, the GTWR model was employed to reveal the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of influencing factors. [Results] ① Temporal trends: The green use efficiency of cultivated land in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region underwent three distinct phases-steady growth, slow growth, and rapid growth-demonstrating an overall upward trend. However, notable differences were observed in the efficiency evolution curves across different cities. ② Spatial distribution: The efficiency levels were highest in Eastern and Southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, moderate in western and Northern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and lowest in Central Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The disparities between “east vs. west” and “north vs. south” gradually narrowed over time. ③ The impact mechanisms of various factors exhibited significant spatio-temporal heterogeneity. Positive factors contributed to rational resource allocation and industrial structure optimization, while negative factors exacerbated challenges such as soil degradation, labor shortages, and pollution intensification. [Conclusion] The green use efficiency of cultivated land in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region displays substantial spatio-temporal variations. The multiple cropping index, agricultural machinery input intensity, and urban-rural income disparity exert strong influences. To enhance land use efficiency, future efforts should focus on leveraging the unique agricultural characteristics of different regions, formulating region-specific improvement strategies, and promoting differentiated agricultural development, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and efficient use of cultivated land in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.