<p>The influence of the digital economy (DE) on various societal domains has grown increasingly significant in recent years. This study investigates the impact of digital economic development on ecological resilience(ER) within a spatial analytical framework. Drawing on panel data from 108 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt spanning the period 2011–2022, we employ spatial autocorrelation analysis and the spatial Durbin model to empirically assess the relationship between the DE and ER. Furthermore, the study examines the spatial spillover effects of the DE and explores its heterogeneous impacts across different urban groups. Our research found that: (1) Both DE and ER in the Yangtze River Economic Belt exhibit a spatial pattern characterized by higher values in the east and lower values in the west. Moreover, DE and ER demonstrate a strong positive spatial correlation, with a relatively stable bivariate autocorrelation coefficient. (2) The development of DE significantly enhances ER, with notable spatial spillover effects, and exerts differential impacts across various dimensions of ER. (3) There is significant spatial heterogeneity in the impact of DE on ER, with no significant impact on ER in the eastern part of the Yangtze River Economic Belt but a positive impact and spatial spillover effects on the central and western regions. This study provides a theoretical basis for regional collaboration to enhance ER in the digital era and offers insights into fostering sustainable development of the DE and urban ER.</p>