Abstract: In order to analyze the spatial distribution and characteristics of typical old landslides in the south of Gansu province, a typical large landslide called Xieliupo landslide in Zhouqu county of Gansu province was selected as an example. Rational interpretation marks such as landslide mass, back wall of landslide, trailing edge of landslide, fissure, gulch, step and drumlin were established by making use of Quick Bird high resolution remote sensing images in association with geological data and measured data obtained from field survey. On the basis of this, the location, boundary, scale and other basic characteristics of Xieliupo landslide was confirmed. We extracted surface conditions of the landslide and compared them with in-situ investigation conditions. Results show that, the position of Xieliupo landslide is correct in the initiatory interpretation result, and the proposed typical interpretation signs for landslide recognition has been proved to be basically right. The method and experiences from Xieliupo landslide were applied to the recognition of other two landslides, namely Suoertou landslide and Longjiangxincun landslide. This research provides theoretical basis for the subsequent research of landslides prevention, treatment and prediction in the study area. In the same time, the proposed method of high resolution landslide recognition established for the study area has been proved to be feasible in practical projects.