Abstract: This paper, using GIS spatial analysis technology and data statistical method, analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of the rural settlements in central arid zone in Ningxia, and its correlation with the environment. The results showed that the spatial distribution form of the rural settlements in the studied area had group structure, beaded structure, cyclic structure, dendritic structure and so on, and presented an “overall dispersion, relative concentration” characteristic. An important part of the study on rural settlements was the new immigrants settlements, which had a clear difference on spatial distribution: settlements in the irrigated plain districts and mountainous districts with irrigation by reservoir or well had the largest scale, while settlements in mountains, hills and platform area had smaller scale. The spatial distribution form of the rural settlements was closely related to the regional environment, and the main influencing factors were topography, traffic conditions, water resources and the level of economic development. The result of the study could provide references for rural land use planning in central arid zone in Ningxia and the implementation of ecological immigrant project.