It is paramount to study spatio-temporal dynamics pattern and coupling relationship of eco-civilization construction from the perspective of performance, which plays a fundamental role for improving quality and efficiency of eco-civilization construction. This paper used the methods of Kernel density estimation, Exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), LISA Time Path and Centre-of-Gravity Path to analyze the space-time dynamism and spatial coupling of eco-civilization construction pattern from the perspective of performance and efficiency from 2005 to 2017 in China. Results showed that:(1) There is a significant difference in the overall spatial non-equilibrium between eco-civilization construction performance and efficiency. The performance of eco-civilization construction shows an obvious "single peak" evolution distribution, while the eco-civilization construction efficiency shows an obvious "double peak" distribution. (2) The spatio- temporal pattern of eco-civilization construction performance and efficiency has obvious difference in dynamic change paths. The local spatial structure and spatial dependence direction of eco-civilization performance construction have strong stability, and it presents the characteristics of synergy and competition, while the volatility in local spatial structure and spatial dependence direction of eco-civilization construction efficiency are stronger than the eco-civilization construction performance, forming a competitive-oriented pattern. (3) The spatial association model and spatial transfer inertia of eco-civilization construction performance are characterized by a path dependence and spatial locking characteristics, and the spatial transfer inertia is strong, while the local spatial structure of eco-civilization construction efficiency is unstable-the changes between different types were active and frequent. (4) Significant spatial coupling characteristics between the eco-civilization construction performance and efficiency exist, and the spatial coupling relationship is continuously enhanced. The provinces with High performing-High efficiency are mainly distributed in the eastern coastal provinces. Qinghai, Inner Mongolia and Ningxia are stable Low performing-High-efficiency provinces. The other central and western provinces are Low performing-Low efficient provinces.