Accurate identification of the temporal and spatial evolution law and trajectory characteristics of land use pattern is of great significance to scientifically promote ecological protection and high-quality socio-economic development in the region. Three periods of land use data in 1990, 2005 and 2018 were used to construct the trajectory sequence of land use change in the southwest Hubei. In order to reveal the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics and change trend of land use pattern in the southwest Hubei over the past 30 years, using various indices of land use change, chord diagram visualization and standard deviation ellipse methods, this study carried out from three aspects: total land use change characteristics, quantitative change trajectory characteristics and spatial change trajectory characteristics. The results showed that: (1) Stability characteristic of total land use change was obvious. Forestland and cultivated land were always been the main land use types in the study area. The area of cultivated land decreased continuously, while the area of built-up land increased continuously. The change of land use was active, but the overall trend was flat. (2) The dominant characteristics of the quantitative change trajectory of land use pattern were obvious. From 1990 to 2005, it was dominated by the mutual conversion between cultivated land and forestland and outflow of forestland. From 2005 to 2018, it was dominated by mutual conversion between cultivated land, forestland and grassland and further expansion of built-up land. On the whole, the change of land type was manifested in the transfer of spatial location. Land use change types were more diverse, and land use change behavior was more active in 2005—2018 than those in 1990—2005. (3) The spatial change trajectory was characterized by significant clustering and divergence. From 2005 to 2018, the dynamics change intensity of comprehensive land use was greater. There were spatial variations in the center of gravity, area, direction and diffusion trends of land use pattern change in the study area over the past 30 years. The results could provid a reference basis for land use research and territorial spatial planning in the southwest Hubei Province.