Abstract: For the purpose of investigating spatial variability of vegetation cover and the effectiveness of vegetation restoration on the Loess Plateau, MODIS/ NDVI data during 2000 -2013 were analyzed. The results were as follows: 1) The NDVI increased from northwest to southeast of the Loess Plateau, showing obviously three zones: <0.2, ≥0.2 -0.4, and ≥0.4, which were roughly consistent with the drought mid temperate zone, the mid temperate zone and the south temperate zone. 2) NDVI increased on 88% of the Loess Plateau area, particularly in the summer season. Moderate and obvious improvements of annual average NDVI were found in about 50% of the area, and obvious improvement of summer season NDVI was found in about 50% of the area. 3) The average annual NDVI was moderately improved and the summer NDVI showed obvious improvements in the mid temperate zone. The average annual NDVI was in a state of slight improvement and the summer NDVI was characterized by moderate and slight improvements. 4) On the slope of ≥15°- 25°, NDVI increased more significantly than other slope grades with the medium and obvious improvements in more than 40% of the area for annual NDVI and more than 60% for summer NDVI, respectively. However, on the slope of <6°or ≥35°, the annual average NDVI kept basically unchanged and lightly degraded in about 20% of the area.