Accurately assessing the value of cultural ecosystem services (CES) and scientifically planning recreational spaces require thorough consideration of the impact and spatial variation of perception differences between local communities and visitors. Focusing on 26 counties or districts in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, this study developed an integrated subjective-objective evaluation model using multi-source data from 2000 to 2020 to systematically reveal the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of regional CES value. Spatial autocorrelation, the Theil index, and geographical detector analysis were employed to analyze the synergy of dual-subject perceptions, the contribution rate of regional disparities, and the driving mechanisms of influencing factors. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, CES value perceived by both tourists and residents increased with socioeconomic development. Tourist-perceived value exhibited a “core polarization-periphery breakthrough” pattern, with core urban areas such as Shapingba and Yuzhong maintaining consistently high values, while resident-perceived value formed a high-value agglomeration zone primarily in southwestern Chongqing. (2) The recreation index demonstrated a trend toward regional equalization, where improvements in low-value areas and quality optimization in high-value areas significantly reduced spatial disparities in landscape quality. The overall CES value increased sharply from 8.68 billion CNY in 2000 to 484.71 billion CNY in 2020, displaying a “high in the southwest, low in the northeast” spatial distribution. (3) The synergy between tourist-perceived and resident-perceived CES values strengthened significantly during the study period. The overall disparity in comprehensive CES value followed a three-phase evolutionary trajectory: “rapid rise, high-range fluctuation, and gradual decline.” Throughout this process, the driving mechanism, co-shaped by socioeconomic factors (e.g., nighttime light intensity and road network density) and natural factors (e.g., NDVI and slope), evolved into a new paradigm characterized by the deep integration of development quality and ecological foundation. This study provides valuable insights for promoting the transformation of CES value and enhancing green space governance.