[Purpose] Our study delves into temporal and spatial disparities of carbon emissions within China and delineates the characteristics of decoupling, with the overarching goal of furnishing decisionmaking insights for China’s low-carbon economic trajectory and the advancement of high-quality economic policies. [Methods] Employing the IPCC carbon emission coefficient method, our study quantifies carbon emissions across 30 provinces in China spanning the period from 2017 to 2021. The Tapio model is subsequently leveraged to elucidate the decoupling dynamics between carbon emissions and economic development in China. [Results] Over the period from 2017 to 2021, both the total carbon emissions and GDP exhibited a discernible upward trajectory nationwide. The eastern region sustained its position as the principal locus of economic expansion and carbon emissions within China. Concurrently, there was a marked reduction in carbon emissions per ten thousand yuan of GDP output across all provinces. Despite the simultaneous augmentation of economic development and carbon emissions, the pace of economic growth outpaces that of carbon emissions, indicative of a relatively favorable scenario. [Conclusions] Adherence to technological innovation and structural optimization emerges as imperative, underscoring the need for tailored strategies and targeted interventions. Emphasis should be placed on enhancing quality and efficiency and fostering green development to steer China towards the dual objectives of low-carbon and high-quality economic development.