In this study soil particles (>2mm, 0.25–2 mm, 0.053–0.25 mm and <0.053 mm), soil organic carbon (SOC) and total soil nitrogen (TN) following land use changes (farmland, shrubland and woodland) in the Danjiangkou Reservoir area by soil fractionation and stable C and N isotopes were investigated. Land use change significantly changed soil particles, SOC and TN concentrations, and δ13C and δ15N values. In the 0–10cm soil layer, soil particles (>2 mm) in the woodland and shrubland were significantly higher than that in the farmland (P<0.05), while particles (0.053–0.25 mm) showed opposite trends (P<0.05). SOC concentrations of soil particles (0.25–2 mm and <0.053 mm ) in the 0–10 cm soil layer were significantly higher in the woodland and shrubland than in the farmland (P<0.05). TN of soil particles (>2 mm, 0.25–2 mm and <0.053 mm) in the 0–10 cm soil layer and particles (>2 mm) in the 10–30cm soil layer were significantly higher in the shrubland than in the woodland and farmland (P<0.05). The isotope analysis showed that both δ13C and δ15N values of soil particles in all three land use types followed the same order: farmland > shrubland > woodland. The results suggested that land use change could change plant carbon input and soil carbon decomposition and hence impact soil particles, soil C and N and the δ13C and δ15N values.