Abstract: In the context of green and low-carbon development, research on the spatial correlation of land use carbon budget and carbon compensation zoning is of great significance for promoting regional coordinated development and governance and achieving high-quality development. In this study, the carbon budget of cities was calculated as the basic unit. The spatial correlation and structural characteristics of carbon budget in the middle reaches of Yangtze River were analyzed by using gravity model and social network analysis method. Using SOM-K-means model, carbon compensation zoning in the study area was carried out. The results showed that: (1) From 2005 to 2020, carbon emissions showed an upward trend, from 2.18×108t to 3.01×108t, with a spatial distribution of "higher in the east, lower in the west and highest in the center"; The carbon uptake fluctuated from 2.75×108t to 2.86×108t, showing a "C" pattern of spatial distribution decreasing from outside to inside. (2) From the overall perspective, the network density of carbon emission and carbon absorption was relatively low, which implied that there existed a large potential for spatial collaboration; From the individual perspective, Wuhan City, Jiujiang City, Yueyang City were in the center of the carbon emission network. These cities played the role of "bridge" in the network, while Yichun City, Changde City and Ji 'an City were in the center of the carbon absorption network. The carbon emission of each node in the carbon budget network was inconsistent with the carbon absorption capacity, showing significant differences. (3) Based on this study, the middle reaches of the Yangtze River was divided into three types of zone, including 12 payment zones, 13 balance zones and 17 replenishment zones. Corresponding low-carbon development directions and strategies were proposed for each type of zone.