Questions Vegetation phenology, a key indicator of ecosystem changes, reflects vegetation's adaptation to periodic environmental variations and its response to climate change. Monitoring changes in vegetation phenology enhances our understanding of the impacts of global climate and environmental changes on ecosystems.Location This study analyzed the temporal and spatial changes of the start (SOS), end (EOS), and length (LOS) of the growing season in china using the PKU GIMMS NDVI dataset from 1982 to 2022.Methods SOS, EOS, and LOS were extracted using a cumulative NDVI logistic fitting curve. Their temporal and spatial variations were assessed across ecological-geographical regions and vegetation types.Results (1) The multi-year average SOS occurs between days 90 and 150, EOS between days 270 and 310, and LOS ranges from 122 to 234 days. Overall, the SOS shows an advancing trend with a rate of 0.35 day per year, while EOS is delayed in 67.39% of the pixels at a rate of 0.22 day per year. The LOS trend generally mirrors that of EOS, indicating a lengthening trend; (2) SOS, EOS, and LOS demonstrate overall stability without significant fluctuations. Future projections suggest a possible delay in SOS and an earlier occurrence of EOS, potentially shortening the LOS. Additionally, increasing altitude results in a delayed SOS, earlier EOS, and shortened LOS, highlighting altitude's significant impact on the growing season; (3) SOS and EOS exhibit distinct spatial patterns across different eco-geographical regions. In humid areas, SOS occurs earlier and EOS later compared to arid areas. Temporal trends of vegetation phenology parameters also vary significantly among different vegetation types.Conclusion This study reveals the temporal and spatial characteristics of vegetation phenology and its relationship with environmental factors, highlighting the importance of climate change and ecological environments in shaping the growing season. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding global ecosystem response mechanisms.