To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of hepatitis B virus (HBV)infection in China from 2011 to 2021, to provide a foundation for future HBV prevention and control initiatives.

Data on HBV incidence from 2011 to 2021 across different regions of China were gathered from the "China Health Statistical Yearbook" and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A descriptive analysis was performed to investigate the trends of HBV. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was utilized to explore both global and local spatial clustering of HBV incidence, while spatiotemporal scan analysis was employed to investigate the spatiotemporal clustering of HBV incidence.

Between 2011 and 2021, a total of 10 838 518 cases of HBV were reported in China, with an annual average incidence rate of 71.78 per 100,000 population. There was no statistically significant difference in the decreasing trend of hepatitis B incidence during this period (Z=-1.557, P=0.120). Spatial autocorrelation results identified 7 high-high clustering areas of HBV incidence, primarily in Guangdong, and 3 low-low clustering areas, mainly in Shanghai and Jiangsu. Spatiotemporal scan results revealed 2 high-incidence clusters in the northwest region from 2011 to 2015, shifting to 6 clusters in the south and its northern areas from 2017 to 2021. There were 14 low-incidence clusters from 2016 to 2021, mainly in the east and northeast regions.

From 2011 to 2021, HBV incidence in China displays spatial and spatiotemporal clustering, with a nonsignificant decreasing trend. Future efforts should enhance HBV monitoring and resource allocation for prevention and control in high-prevalence areas.