Based on the measured runoff data from the Qindu County Hydrological Station in the Fenghe River Basin from 1956 to 2016, the annual variation characteristics was analyzed and the abrupt changes of runoff in three periods (interannual, rainy and drought period) were discussed, which were then verified using sliding t test. Results showed that the annual runoff of Fenghe River showed an overall decreasing trend from 1956 to 2016, and the decreasing rate was 1.757 1×106 m3/a. The annual distribution of runoff was more concentrated in the 1970s and 1980s, mainly from July to September, accounting for 43.87%. After 2006, the annual distribution was more homogeneous. An abrupt change of annual runoff occurred in 1982, and that of the runoff in the rainy period occurred in 1977 and 1985, among which the annual proportion of runoff in 1977 increased from 15.2% to 64.4%. In the drought period, the abrupt change appeared in 2001. The results can provide a practical reference for the flood control, sponge city construction of Fengdong and Fengxi New Town and the proper operation of Doumen Reservoir in Shaanxi Province.