In this study, we take Chongqing, an upstream city of the Yangtze River as the study area. This paper calculated the Remote sensing-based ecological index (RSEI) based on Landsat images from 2011-2021 and utilized Theil-Sen estimator and MK (Mann-Kendall) test to study its trend. In this study, the long-term dynamics of RSEI were analyzed within the Hurst index model. The spatial shift matrix and the center of gravity shift model were used to investigate the changes in the spatial distribution characteristics of RSEI. Finally, the auxiliary data such as precipitation, wind speed, near-surface air temperature, and elevation were used as influencing factors and combined with geographic probes, these factors were included in the further investigation of the driving forces of RSEI changes; This investigation shall indicate the spatial distribution and evolution trends of RSEI in Chongqing from 2011 to 2021. The results showed that:(1) the multi-year average RSEI of Chongqing was 0.593, and the percentages of areas classified as poor, relatively poor, moderate, good, and excellent using the equal spacing method were 2.48%, 8.28%, 38.32%, 41,87%, and 9.05%, respectively. As a whole, the ecological quality level of Chongqing was high, and the interannual RSEI of Chongqing was increasing with a significant trend fluctuation. (2) The areas with poor RSEI grades were spatially concentrated in western Chongqing; the relatively poor grades were mainly around the poor level; the medium grades were mainly located in the central and western Chongqing; more than half of the areas with good or excellent RSEI grades were distributed in the central and northern Chongqing. (3) The results produced in Theil-Sen estimator and Hurst index model were analyzed using the ArcGIS overlay, indicating that a total of 53.3% of the overall RSEIs that would remain sustainable in terms of growth. (4) From the factor detection, natural factors, mainly near-surface temperature and elevation, and anthropogenic factors, mainly land use, were the main influencing factors on the spatial distribution of RSEI in Chongqing. (5) During the course of ten years, the spatial distribution of RSEI saw general improvements in all surveyed groups, and the overall ecological environment of Chongqing was optimized.