<p>With urbanization accelerating, the impact of blue-green spaces on population distribution has gained increasing importance. This study uses the Chinese Annual Land Cover Dataset (CLCD) and ArcGIS to examine urban blue-green space patterns from 2000 to 2020. A spatial Durbin model (SDM) is applied to assess how these spaces influence population distribution across Chinese cities. The findings indicate that: (1) Urban blue-green spaces significantly affect population distribution, with disparities in public service resources amplifying the impact; (2) The effects of blue and green spaces vary, with integrated blue-green planning fostering population growth; (3) The influence of these spaces exhibits geographical heterogeneity, attracting more population in eastern regions, while drawing people from neighboring areas in central and western regions; (4) The impact also varies by city size, with larger cities experiencing negative effects from the independent increase of blue or green spaces, but positive effects from combined blue-green spaces, while smaller cities see positive effects from water bodies but negative impacts from green spaces.</p>