Based on the monthly averaged maximum and minimum temperatures in Hexi corridor oasis from 1960 to 2005

the characteristics of spatiotemporal variation and the abrupt change are analyzed by the methods of climate tendency rate

5-year running means

and Mann—Kendall abrupt change test. Results are reported as follows:Firstly

the maximum and minimum temperatures increased obviously

the warming amplitude of minimum temperature is remarkably higher than maximum temperature

and the anti-symmetrical warming trends presented. Secondly

the warming amplitudes of maximum and minimum temperatures are obviously different in different regions. By the maximum temperature

the order is central partwestern parteastern part and by the minimum temperature

eastern partcentral partwestern part. Thirdly

the maximum and minimum temperatures increased during each season

but they are higher in winter than other seasons. Fourthly

the abrupt changes of maximum and minimum temperatures are apparent and they are different in different regions and seasons.