Under the background of rapid urbanization, the study explored the adaptive relationship between urban spatial development and water landscape in different stages in Caidian District, Wuhan in order to reveal the characteristics and influencing factors of water landscape adaptability of urban spatial development and improve urban sustainability aiming at optimizing spatial development and improving water landscape function. Caidian District was seen as a complex adaptive system formed by the interaction between the base layer and the occupation layer. The assessment system of urban spatial development is constructed based on land use data and landscape pattern indices, and the coupling coordination degree model and correlation analysis were used to describe the characteristics of water landscape adaptability of urban spatial development. The results showed that: (1) the adaptation relationship between urban space and water landscape in Caidian District was becoming tense; (2) different spatial systems have unique adaptation cycles to water landscape; (3) the 1000 m buffer is the main area affected by water landscape adaptability of urban spatial development. This study provides a new perspective for the urban adaptability. Finally, improvement suggestions were put forward by three aspects of water landscape structure control, urban development control, and ecological space demarcation.