Abstract: Tin (Sn), as an emerging pollutant with potential environmental risks, has received relatively limited attention. However, soil Sn pollution caused by human activities (industrial development and agricultural production) has become increasingly prominent. This study focused on the Hangjiahu Plain in Zhejiang Province, a typical industrial-agricultural integrated area of the Yangtze River Delta, China, as the study area. Surface soil samples (0–20cm, n=1982), deep soil samples (150–200cm, n=510), and soil vertical profile samples were collected to comprehensively analyze the spatial distribution patterns and controlling factors of soil Sn. Results showed that Sn content in surface soils ranged from 2.10 to 110.00mg/kg, while in deep soils it ranged from 1.75 to 100.00mg/kg. The mean Sn content in surface soils (10.72mg/kg) was 2.63 times higher than that in deep soils (4.07mg/kg), indicating substantial Sn enrichment in surface soils. Significant Sn hotspots were identified in Hangzhou City, Jiashan County, and Tongxiang City. While spatial distribution patterns were generally consistent across depths, surface soil hotspots exhibited pronounced spatial expansion. Vertical distribution profiles demonstrated a characteristic “decline-rise” pattern with depth, featuring a distinct low-value zone at 40–80cm followed by concentration recovery below 80cm, reflecting the combined influence of leaching processes and parent material inheritance. Geochemical characterization showed surface soils were predominantly acidic (pH 3.8–8.8; mean: 6.3) with elevated organic carbon content (mean TOC: 1.40%), differing significantly from deep soils (pH 4.7–9.3, mean: 7.6; mean TOC: 0.8%). Statistical analyses revealed that Sn distribution in surface soils was predominantly regulated by soil pH (r=0.336, P<0.01), organic carbon complexation (r=0.105, P<0.01), and soil weathering intensity (r=−0.401, P<0.01). In contrast, Sn contents in deep soils were primarily dominated by parent material inheritance (P>0.05 among different parent materials) but showed significantly intensified vertical migration effects driven by surface acidification in coastal sediment-developed areas. The study reveals that human activities (such as electronic waste disposal and Sn-containing agrochemical application) reshape the spatial Sn distribution patterns by altering surface soil acidity and organic matter dynamics. The findings highlight the need for targeted management strategies in areas where high parent material inheritance coincides with intensive anthropogenic inputs to mitigate potential synergistic environmental risks.