Remote sensing data,MODIS NDVI from 2000 to 2010,annual dynamics,seasonal change and spatial variability in vegetation cover in hilly terrain of southern China was investigated. The causes of vegetation cover change were analyzed,considering climate change and human activities. Vegetation cover in hilly terrain of southern China was high and improved with fluctuations from 2000 to 2010. The response of NDVI to seasonal change varied with vegetation type. Grassland showed huge variation,while forest had the lowest change. The peak time of vegetation occurred in August or September. Vegetation cover change was spatially variable. Vegetation cover has increased in the ecological restoration zone,however,vegetation cover has decreased in the region because of rapid urbanization. The change in vegetation cover was the result of combined effects of climate variation and land use change. Correlation coefficients between interannual variation in NDVI and interannual variation in climate factors have apparent spatial differentiation. There was a significant correlation between temperature and vegetation cover,and temperature has controlled annual variation of vegetation growth and prolonged the growth period of vegetation. Precipitation was a controlling factor of seasonal change in vegetation growth,and a one-month lag in precipitation was positively correlated with vegetation growth. Change in land use was an important factor for vegetation spatial variation,and the implementation of large-scale vegetation construction has led to some beneficial effects in ecology,such as the Grain for Green Program and karst rocky desertification control project.