Abstract: Analysing the coupling and coordination rules between high-quality economic development and carbon emission levels is crucial for promoting the harmonious development of the economy, society and ecological environment. The study focused on 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China from 2005 to 2021. By utilizing the coupling coordination degree model, Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition method, and Kernel density estimation method, the coupling and coordination relationship between high-quality economic development and carbon emission levels was measured and its spatiotemporal evolution pattern was identified. The findings revealed an overall upward trend in the coupling and coordination between high-quality economic development and carbon emission levels nationwide. However, there were spatial distribution imbalances in the coupling and coordination among different comprehensive economic zones and provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), mainly attributed to inter-regional differences and hyper-variable density. Moreover, the dynamic evolution of the coupling coordination degree varied significantly across comprehensive economic zones, with a noticeable polarization phenomenon in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Economic Zone and the Northwest Economic Zone. Consequently, relevant policy recommendations were proposed, including focusing on the improvement of carbon emission control, enhancing regional cooperation and coordination, and addressing regional development disparities to achieve a comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.