As a crucial parameter to characterize the canopy structure,leaf area index (LAI) exhibited significance in analyzing energy exchanges within terrestrial ecosystem.In this study,a spatial-temporal changes of LAI analysis in Shaanxi Province from 2001 to 2014 was conducted.The MODIS products were applied to generate LAI series in Shaanxi Province during the period of 2001 to 2014.By employing the land cover map,the LAI series of four typical vegetation types were also derived.The results indicated that:1) The spatial pattern of LAI showed obviously distinct spatial and seasonal variations.The inter-annual mean of maximum LAI showed an increasing trend during 2001-2014.2) The annual LAI in Northern Shaanxi from 2001 to 2014 increased and interannual fluctuation changed significantly.The annual LAI in Weibei dry highland and the east of Southern Shaanxi increased with small interannual fluctuation change.The annual LAI in regions had unconspicuous trend and interannual fluctuation.3) The inter-annual mean of maxium LAI among different vegetation types in Shaanxi Province increased from 2001 to 2014.It was pointed out that the monthly LAI variations of four vegetation types were in single peak pattern with variations.The increasing trend was primarily reflecting afforestation and reforestation and the fluctuation was directly linked to climatic factors.The research results reflected the spatial distribution and variation characteristics of the vegetation in Shaanxi Provance and had important significance for the further study of terrestrial ecosystem.