Based on the nighttime light data, this paper deeply discusses the spatial and temporal dynamic characteristics of urban growth and shrinkage in 111 counties in Guangxi from 1999 to 2022, and systematically analyzes the driving forces of urban growth and shrinkage in counties in Guangxi. The research shows that the growth and contraction of cities in Guangxi show alternating changes, and there is a trend of polarization, with long-term growth cities dominating. The urban growth trajectory is stable, while the urban contraction trajectory shows a shift from west to east and from north to south. The urban growth structure is dominated by bands, and the shrinkage structure is dominated by dots. Policy factors and socio-economic factors are the main driving factors, and traffic construction has a significant driving force for the growth of county cities in Guangxi. The study suggests optimizing regional policies, strengthening transportation infrastructure, promoting industrial upgrading, implementing differentiated strategies, protecting the ecological environment, and improving public services to promote the high-quality development of county cities in Guangxi, realize the positive interaction between urban growth and contraction, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the region.