Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of visceral leishmaniasis in Linfen City, Shanxi Province from 2013 to 2022, so as to provide insights into prevention and control of visceral leishmaniasis. Methods All data pertaining to reported visceral leishmaniasis cases in Linfen City, Shanxi Province from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022 were collected from the Infectious Diseases Report Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The temporal, regional, age and occupation distributions of reported visceral leishmaniasis cases were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method. In addition, the sandfly density was monitored using sandfly light traps in Hongdong County, Jixian County and Huozhou City in July 2023, and the sandfly species was identified. Results A total of 78 visceral leishmaniasis cases were reported in Linfen City from 2013 to 2022, with no deaths, and the annual average incidence was 0.199 6/10⁵, which appeared a tendency towards a rise over years (χ² = 78.000, P < 0.01). Among them, a total of 3 cases were reported from 2013 to 2016, and the number has increased year by year since 2017. In 2021 and 2022, there were 19 and 28 cases respectively. Visceral leishmaniasis cases were reported in each month, with the highest number in April (14 cases, 17.95% of total cases), and the lowest number in October (1 case). Local cases of visceral leishmaniasis were reported in 10 counties (cities, districts) of Linfen City, and the three counties with the highest numbers of local cases included Xiangfen County (20 cases), Quwo County (20 cases), and Xiangning County (18 cases). The number of counties reporting cases has increased from 1 in 2013 to 8 in 2022. Among the 78 reported visceral leishmaniasis cases, there were 57 men and 21 women, with a male to female ratio of 2.71∶1, and the reported cases were predominantly aged 0 to 9 years (23 cases) and 60 to 69 years (19 cases), with a significant difference in the age distribution (χ² = 20.919, P < 0.01). Farmers (41 cases) and diaspora children (22 cases) were predominant occupations, and there were 42 cases (53.85%) diagnosed in other provinces (municipalities), and 36 cases (46.15%) diagnosed in Linfen City. A total of 2 299 female sandflies were captured and all were identified as Phlebotomus chinensis, with an average density of 1.58 sandflies/(lamp•night). Conclusion The epidemics of visceral leishmaniasis have appeared a tendency towards a rise in Linfen City since 2017, with expansion of epidemic areas and severe epidemics. Improved control awareness and intensified control efforts are recommended to control the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.