Abstract: Based on remote sensing images of Hongyuan County collected between 2000 and 2010, a landscape classification map and grassland resource database were produced using ENVI software. In addition, 9 disturbance types were chosen to simulate the landscape succession to the year 2020 using the United States department of Agriculture Vegetation Dynamics Development (VDDT) tool based on the transition probability for 2000-2001. The results showed that: 1) In the 20 years, grassland decreased by about 824 km², and forest by 191 km², however, the unutilized area was predicted to increase by about 89 km²; 2) The VDDT tool provided an acceptable simulation of the landscape succession as indicated by the Hongyuan County land use maps for 2000 and 2010 [R²=0.9325(Area), R²=0.8833(Number)]; 3) The simulation showed an obvious degeneration trend for grassland in Hongyuan county. Factors affecting the future landscape pattern and rate of grassland degeneration were also analyzed.