Abstract: Systematic study on the relationship between geomorphological environment and rural residential distribution in the upper reaches of Minjiang River is of great significance for understanding the characteristics and safety mode of human settlement ecological units in the eastern margin of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In this study, the fractal dimensions of the upper reaches of Minjiang River at different scales were calculated based on box counting method, and the quantitative relationship between fractal dimensions and rural residential areas was discussed by combining kernel density analysis and spatial clustering. Finally, based on geographic detectors, the influence characteristics and mechanism of watershed geomorphological factors on rural residential areas were revealed. The results show that: (1) On the overall scale, the juvenile development stage of fractal landform in the upper reaches of Minjiang River promotes the overall distribution form of rural residential areas and fractal landform to show positive correlation with leaf-like branching characteristics. On the scale of tributaries and small watersheds, the density distribution of rural residential areas, ethnic characteristics and watershed geomorphology development are consistent. (2) Gully density is the main factor affecting the distribution of rural residential areas, followed by elevation. At the same time, the gully density ∩ elevation has a significant two-factor enhancement effect. The effects of gully density, elevation and slope length on the distribution of rural residential areas have significant interval differences. (3) The production resources, natural disasters and landscape characteristics formed by the geomorphological development of the upper reaches of Minjiang River affect the site selection, migration, extinction and expansion of rural residential areas through coupling with the production, life and psychological needs of rural residential areas, and form the internal mechanism of the natural environment affecting the distribution of rural residential areas.