Abstract: Investigating the spatiotemporal coupling coordination relationship between Rural Livability-Industry Synergy (RLS) and the Cultivated Land Scale Level (CLF) is crucial for advancing the construction of harmonious and beautiful villages and promoting the efficient utilization of cultivated land resources in hilly regions. This study selected 30 sub-districts and towns within Hechuan District, Chongqing Municipality, as its research units. A comprehensive evaluation index system was constructed to measure both RLS and CLF. Utilizing entropy weight methods to determine indicator weights, comprehensive scores for RLS and CLF from 2015 to 2022 were calculated. A coupling coordination degree model was subsequently employed to analyze the interactive dynamics and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics between these two systems.The principal findings revealed that: ① Between 2015 and 2022, the comprehensive level of RLS in the study area demonstrated a significant increasing trend, largely attributable to targeted rural revitalization initiatives. In contrast, the CLF exhibited a slight but discernible decrease over the same period, potentially linked to fragmented land management practices and non-agricultural spatial pressures. Spatially, the distributions of both RLS and CLF consistently displayed a "low in the north, high in the south" pattern, highlighting issues of asynchronous development and regional disparity. ② The coupling degree between RLS and CLF remained at a very high level throughout the study period, indicating strong bidirectional interaction. Concurrently, the coordination degree showed a general upward trend from 2015 to 2022. However, the overall coordination level was predominantly at a medium-low tier, with a distinct spatial pattern characterized by "higher levels in the south and lower levels in the northwest." This suggests that while the systems are tightly linked, the positive contribution from the improvement in RLS currently outweighs the constraining effects associated with the slight decline in CLF. Consequently, the entire coupled system was in a state of fluctuating yet gradual improvement. ③ By 2022, the spatial agglomeration effect of the coupling coordination degree had intensified, and spatial heterogeneity became more pronounced compared to 2015. This trend necessitates heightened attention to prevent certain northwestern areas from falling into a "low-level trap," where poor coordination hinders overall regional development. The results underscore the complex interdependence between rural socio-economic development, encapsulated by livability and industry, and the spatial management of cultivated land. The study concludes by proposing differentiated policy recommendations based on the identified spatial patterns to foster synergistic development and ensure the sustainable use of cultivated land resources in ecologically sensitive hilly landscapes.