As an artificial-natural geographical system, the ecological network of carbon flow of cultivated land plays a crucial role in the regional carbon cycle balance. Disturbances to this network can significantly impact carbon equilibrium, potentially leading to long-term environmental consequences. Under the "dual carbon" targets (carbon peak and carbon neutrality), exploring the ecological network of carbon flow in cultivated land is essential for promoting its healthy operation and achieving carbon neutrality. This study focuses on Hubei Province, a critical agricultural region in central China, utilizing land-use data and socio-economic data from 2000 to 2020. Adopting a complex geographic system perspective, we employed a combination of ecological network analysis (ENA) and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods to examine the formation mechanism of the ecological network of carbon flow of cultivated land. On this foundation, we conducted an empirical study on the evolutionary characteristics of spatial patterns and the internal structure of this network. Our research revealed several key findings: (1) The carbon budget of cultivated land in Hubei Province exhibited net carbon emissions, demonstrating a substantial overall growth trend. Consequently, the carbon flow density of cultivated land was high with a pronounced increasing trend. The net carbon emissions and carbon flow density displayed significant regional variations. (2) The ecological network of carbon flow of cultivated land was found to be generally disordered. Carbon flow transfers predominantly showed a negative net carbon flow, with positive carbon flows significantly outweighed by negative carbon flows, negatively impacting regional carbon balance maintenance. (3) The distribution center of carbon flow in the network was concentrated in the northern part of Tianmen City. The distribution range mainly covers the south-central part of Hubei Province, with Tianmen City as the center, while the carbon flow exhibited a "northwest-southeast" spatial pattern. (4) Network structure analysis revealed the critical role of the ecological network of carbon flow of cultivated land in the land-use carbon flow system of Hubei Province. This finding emphasizes the urgent need for targeted optimization of the local ecological network of carbon flow of cultivated land to enhance carbon sequestration and mitigate carbon emissions. This research offers a novel perspective for low-carbon optimization of land use, providing valuable insights for policymakers and land managers. By understanding the dynamics of the ecological network of carbon flow of cultivated land, relevant government departments can develop more effective strategies for the sustainable development of the ecological network of carbon flow of cultivated land and the realization of carbon neutrality.