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[Display omitted] • Under the assumption of no change in climate, we used the InVEST model to estimate the response of water yield service to land use change in the Qilian Mountains. • We described the changes in each land use type in the Qilian Mountains and its response of water yield service. • We identified the spatial pattern of water yield service changes in the Qilian Mountains from 1990 to 2020. The Qilian Mountains serve as significant ecological security barriers in the western region of China. Their continuous and stable water supply is essential for the sustainability of the human oasis in the Hexi Corridor, as well as for the maintenance of the desert ecosystem in the north. In the past three decades, land use in this area has changed significantly because of human activities, which has had a profound impact on water yield services. Based on the Water Yield module of the InVEST model, we evaluated the area and water yield of land use during 1990–––2020, and discussed the characteristics of water yield response to changes in land use. As a result of the study, it was found that in the Qilian Mountains during the period 1990–––2020: (1) the areas of swamp, unused land, medium coverage grassland, and woodland reduced, while the areas of high coverage grassland, low coverage grassland, cultivated land, construction land, glaciers, and water area increased, and each land use type exhibited a different degree of transformation. (2) In terms of total water yield, this declined by 1.09 × 108 m3, water yield of medium coverage grasslands, unused land, and swamp decreased, while water yield of other land uses increased, however, the responses to the change in water yield as a result of the change in land use were significant. (3) The areas with decreased water yield fall mainly within the high-altitude areas of the Qinghai Lake and Qaidam river watersheds, while the low-altitude areas were characterized by an increase in water yield. This study may provide decision-makers with guidance for protecting the ecosystem of the Qilian Mountains and developing a national park in the Qilian Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]