Under global warming, the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events are exhibiting a pronounced upward trend, imposing severe challenges to ecosystems and socio-economic development. Notably, compound dry and hot events (CDHEs)-characterized by the synergistic effects of drought and extreme heat-have emerged as a critical threat to vegetation ecological functioning, surpassing the impacts of individual extremes. However, the response processes of vegetation to CDHEs, particularly the spatial patterns and underlying drivers of its resistance and recovery, remains elusive in current studies. Based on ERA5-Land climate reanalysis data, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, and vegetation type data in China from 1982 to 2022, this study developed a Standardized Compound Dry and Hot Index (SCDHI). The SCDHI was constructed through the integration of the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and the Standardized Temperature Index (STI) employing the Frank Copula function. The SCDHI subsequently elucidated the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of CDHEs, including intensity and severity, and investigated the responses of different vegetation types to these events, with particular focus on their resistance and recovery. Finally, through quantitative assessment of driving factor contributions, the study further clarified the relative importance of different environmental controls on vegetation resistance and recovery to CDHEs. The results revealed regional heterogeneity in the spatiotemporal distribution of CDHEs. North China, Central China, and Southwest China emerge as hotspots for high-intensity, prolonged CDHEs, primarily attributable to precipitation variability, elevated temperatures, and reduced atmospheric humidity. In contrast, the Yangtze River Basin, influenced by monsoon dynamics, experienced higher severity of CDHEs. From a temporal perspective, the overall changes in vegetation resistance and recovery are not significant, but ecological resilience has declined in some regions. Substantial variability in vegetation resilience to CDHEs was observed across different ecosystem types. Alpine vegetation, marshes, forest vegetation, and meadows exhibited higher resistance (median values above 1.7), while cultivated vegetation, grassland (excluding meadows), and shrublands displayed relatively lower resistance. Conversely, shrublands, croplands, and grasslands demonstrated enhanced recovery potential, in contrast to forests, alpine ecosystems, and wetlands which showed more limited recovery capabilities. The contribution rates of driving factors for CDHEs exhibited distinct temporal and spatial patterns. During the resistance phase, precipitation and saturated vapor pressure were the dominant factors, particularly in North China, Central China, and Southwest China. During the recovery phase, precipitation played a major role in vegetation recovery, especially in North China and Northeast China. These findings provide scientific evidence for developing regional ecological management and adaptive regulation.