The development of rural non-farm sector (RNFS) is an important part of China's Rural Revitalization Strategy and the prerequisite for the prosperity of rural economy. Based on the data of Chinese township and village enterprises, this study examined the development of RNFS and its spatial pattern during 2000-2013 in China. On the basis of spatial and temporal analyses on RNFS, the spillover effects of RNFS on rural residents' income was studied by regression analysis from the spatial and temporal perspectives. The results show that: 1) The overall development of RNFS changed greatly. Temporally, the RNFS increased rapidly in China, but differences within the sector were enlarged. Spatially, there was an obviously east-central and west gap, and the agglomerations were mainly found in Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang Provinces. With regard to the structure of RNFS, industry took the dominant position, followed by wholesale and retail trade and construction. The eastern region relied more on industry than the central and western regions. 2) The rural non-farm sector had positive spillover effects on rural residents' income, which showed heterogeneity in space. The impact of RNFS on rural residents' income in the eastern region was stronger than that in the central and western regions. Over time, the impact of RNFS on residents' income is gradually weakening. Accordingly, some recommendations are put forward, including supporting the development of the central and western regions, improving the reform of the rural system, and developing various types of industries.