<p>Intelligence is a key direction for the transformation of the logistics industry, and assessing the degree of smart logistics development is crucial for sustainable development. This paper constructs a smart logistics evaluation system in China. On this basis, it systematically analyzes the trend of change in the level of smart logistics development in cities, the spatial and temporal correlation and the formation of its spatial network from 2013 to 2021. The results show that China’s smart logistics (CSLs) development level is growing rapidly, but there are large regional differences, showing club effects. CSLs development shows obvious spatial dependence and gradually forms a spatial association network, from sparse to close accompanied by the time lapse. The core province has a strong radiation scale and radiation intensity, which accelerates the development of smart logistics in the edge provinces. In the early stage of development, the formation of the association network relies on the economic scale effect; in the late stage of development, it relies on the promotion of high-quality factors such as invention and highly educated talents. The study provides an important decision-making basis for the development of smart logistics and a useful reference for building a more sustainable smart logistics industry in the future.</p>