Exploring the spatiotemporal dynamics and determinants of land development intensity (LDI) is crucial for understanding urban economic development and guiding urban planning and land use. Focusing on 287 prefecture-level and above cities (PLAC) in China, this study employs spatial analysis, Ordinary Least Squares, and Geographically Weighted Regression models to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of LDI and its driving forces. The study draws the following conclusions: (1) The spatial differences in LDI across China are significant, showing a gradual increase from west to east. High LDI values are primarily concentrated in the North China Plain and major coastal urban agglomerations, with provincial capital cities also exhibiting high LDI, forming a "core-periphery" spatial structure. From 2010 to 2020, China's LDI has been on an upward trend. The North China Plain, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta regions have experienced the most rapid growth in LDI, with large cities, mainly provincial capitals, also growing at a faster rate. Additionally, China's urban LDI demonstrates significant positive spatial autocorrelation. (2) In 2010, China's LDI was influenced by economic development, urban features, natural conditions, land investment intensity, and financial investment intensity. By 2020, the driving factors had evolved to include urbanization, economic development, urban features, natural conditions, and financial investment intensity. The degree of influence of each explanatory variable on LDI varies across China. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers in China and similar countries, helping them formulate more detailed and specific land development policies.