Abstract: Background Benggang, a fragmented landform in Southern China, is a kind of critical erosion and geomorphological type that can cause intensive land degradation, whereas the environmental thresholds of Benggang developments are less disclosed. Therefore, it is of great importance to disclose developing mechanism of Begang erosion and its control through systematically identifying their erosion threshold characteristics. Methods Based on Benggang density data in combined with topography, soil, forest coverage, and precipitation and its erosivity datasets, the multi-dimentional thresholds of Benggangs’ development was identified, yielding some interesting results. Results In the hilly regions, southern China, there exist multiple dimentional thresholds of erosion environmental factors in respect of Benggang spatial development. Benggangs are most developed in areas with an altitude range of 200-450 m, a slope gradient range of 10-15°, a soil depth range of 100-120 cm, an annual precipitation amount of 1400-1800 mm, and a rainfall erosivity range of 7000-10000 MJ. Mm/ha•h. yr. Conclusions Among the multiple factors in influencing Benggang development, the topographic and geomorphological features in the study region play a pivotal role in the multi-dimensional thresholds in southern China. In future erosion control of Benggang development, it is essential to apply rational measures based on the development stages and geomorphological characteristics of Benggang, with integrating previous remediation achievements. By this way, it will contribute to more effective control of Benggang-induced land degradation.