Based on the cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning data from 2005 to 2015 probed by Lightning Location System (LLS) in Shaanxi province and NCEP reanalysis data, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of lightning and circulation characteristics are analyzed the first time by comparing with other regions in China. The results show that CG lightning in Shaanxi has a fluctuating rising tendency during the 10 years, and the annual average frequency is 128 000,the CG lightning average density is 0.67 fl/ (km~2·a) and negative frequency is about 93.7% of the total. Lightning is gradually active from March and its monthly average intensity reaches the annual maximum. The number of CG lightning in midsummer accounts for 75% of the annual total and reaches the maximum in August. CG lightning in Shaanxi is active from afternoon to midnight and high-density areas around Yan'an move eastward and southward obviously. Daily variation of CG lightning frequency peaks during 16:00-17:00,and the amplitude of daily variation in the northern part is obviously larger than in other areas. Daily peak time of CG lightning in Guanzhong is 3 hours later than in other areas. CG lightning is relatively active at night in southern Shaanxi than in other areas. Concentrated CG lightning areas in Shaanxi are mainly distributed in the east and south sides of Loess Plateau, and south sides of Qinling and Bashan Mountains, all of which are windward slopes and altitude gradients are high. Lightning activity area moves northward, and expands and decays quickly with season, which are significant in Shaanxi, and the trend of which is consistent with climatic change of West Pacific Subtropical High. Spring CG lightning is mainly located in the southern part of the province. Lightning reduced significantly in the south and increased obviously in the south part of Northern Shaanxi and Weibei during early summer. During midsummer, active areas and intensity reach annual maximum and the northern lightning center moves eastward to the Yellow River. Meanwhile, increasing amplitude of monthly frequency in Guanzhong is much larger than in other parts. Lightning dissipates rapidly in late summer. Based on monthly change modes of lightning density during midsummer in Shaanxi, there are mainly four climate types to describe the temporal and spatial characteristics, and the features of the four types have significant difference. The circulation characteristics, including Tibetan High near the critical region around north to 25 °N and from 80~100 °E, a temperature trough lagging behind a height trough in the areas surrounding Shaanxi and relatively obvious unstable stratification, are favorable to lightning during midsummer.