Tangxunhu wetland is one of China's largest freshwater lakes and plays a significant role in the sustainable development of the city of Wuhan. Based on terrain maps, TM images, and statistical data from 1953 to 2005, the spatial characters and changing features of Tangxunhu wetland were quantitatively assessed by calculating the landscape metrics of shape index (SI), fractal dimension (D), and stability index (S). The results showed that Tangxunhu wetland had meandrous development over the past 53 years, with SI, D, and S decreasing from 1953 to 1967, increasing from 1967 to 2000, and then decreasing again from 2000 to 2005. SI, D, and S were lowest in 1967, indicating maximum instability, but highest in 2000, indicating maximum stability. These changes in Tangxunhu wetland were associated with various natural, social, and economic factors.