The study of runoff evolution characteristics and their attribution analysis is crucial for promoting the efficient use of regional water resources. This study utilizes monthly runoff data of the Xihan River Basin from 1960 to 2022, and various hydrological statistical methods for the analysis. These methods include the Gini coefficient, Lorenz asymmetry coefficient, innovative trend approach (ITA), and Pettitt test method. The analysis focuses on annual distribution characteristics, interannual trends, abrupt changes, persistence, periodicity, and the contribution rates of climate change and human activities to runoff variations. The results indicate that runoff distribution within the year in the Xihan River Basin is uneven, with approximately 2/3 of annual runoff occurring during the flood season. In addition, the average concentration period of multi-year runoff occurs in July, showing a trend of earlier occurrence alongside an average decline rate of 59.7×106 m3/10a in multi-year runoff. Based on persistence analysis results, runoff is expected to continue the declining trend in the coming years. It is presumed that the primary abrupt change point in runoff likely occurred in 1993, showing a distinct alternating cycle of flood and drought. The dominant periodicity of runoff in the upstream, downstream, and tributaries is consistent, ranging from 41 to 47 a, while the midstream shows a periodicity of 28 a. According to the cumulative slope variation rate and double cumulative curve method, the contribution rate of climate change to runoff reduction in the basin are 12.68% and 19.75%; while that of human activities to runoff reduction are 87.32% and 80.25%, respectively. Therefore, the primary factor influencing the annual decrease in runoff in the Xihan River Basin is human activities. These research findings can provide a technical support for the scientific utilization and rational allocation of regional water resources.