The interactive coupling and coordinated development of urbanization and ecological environment has become a global issue of widespread concern. A well understanding of the interactive coupling relationship between urbanization and ecological environment in the Yellow River basin and taking appropriate development paths and protection measures is the key to realize the sustainable development of the region. This paper summarizes the related research on the development of economic environment in the Yellow River basin and the coupling of urbanization and ecological environment to provide reference for improving the relationship between urbanization and ecological environment in this area.