This study analyses the spatial distribution characteristics of settlement sites, distributing in the West Liaohe River Basin and the neighboring Dalinghe River Basin, as well as the Luanhe River Basin between 9.5-2.3 ka B.P.. The settlement sites belong to a sequence of prehistoric culture, including Xiaohexi, Xinglongwa, Zhaobaogou, Fuhe, Hongshan, Xiaoheyan, Lower Xiajiadian and Upper Xiajiadian cultures. Based on the basic information of settlement sites, collected from the results of the national systematic archaeological field surveys, spatial distribution map of sites was drawn with GIS. Minimum distances from sites to rivers and altitudes were extracted with corresponding Box-whisker charts to present their statistical characteristics visually. Three main conclusions are concluded and deduced. Firstly, temperature, precipitation and vegetation changes caused by climate change influenced prehistoric culture development and subsistence strategies extensively. The drier and colder environmental condition since 6.0 ka B.P. promoted the development of primitive agriculture. The number of sites reached peak in Lower Xiajiadian culture which developed in a relatively warm and humid period. Temperature and precipitation dropped violently around 3.0 ka B.P., resulting that primitive agriculture was replaced by pasture. Secondly, prehistoric settlements depended largely on rivers, especially during dry and cold period. About 50% sites have the minimum site-river distances that are less than 6 km. Sites with the minimum distances of more than 6 km mainly distributed along gullies spreading to or from main rivers, especially in the area enclosed by the Laohahe River, the Jiaolaihe River and the Dalinghe River. Hydrological analysis and fieldwork prove: it is likely that these gullies were branches of rivers or seasonal rivers when it was warm and humid. Thirdly, settlements mainly distributed on the transition area (400-700 m) of plains and hills, which abounded in animal and plant resources. Settlements moved to lower altitude when it was colder and drier. Pasture, which was more resilient to hostile environment, made it possible for more Upper Xiajiadian settlements to distribute along rivers in higher mountainous areas.