Abstract: The problems of land exploitation and utilization in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) were studied. The statistical analysis method was adopted to systematically analyze the problems of land exploitation and utilization in the YREB, such as tightening restriction of resources and environment, conspicuous structural contradiction of land space, low efficiency of development and utilization, declining spatial functions and so on. It was thus proposed that the optimization of the land development and utilization of the YREB should consider the long-term interests of the Chinese nation, with the aim of building the pattern of spatial agglomeration development and the pattern of classified protection. The national spatial development pattern should be optimized based on the carrying capacity, the land function be strengthen by classified protection and comprehensive improvement, the land use efficiency be promoted through economical and intensive utilization, and the regional land use be coordinated with regional co-ordination strategy, so as to realize the idea of building up intensive and efficient, ecological environment good and harmony development land use.