The constructing of night-time light intensity based on satellite-monitored night-light data and granting of patent measure,respectively, the urbanization level and regional innovation capabilities, using panel data of 286 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2017, conducts an empirical investigation on the impact of urbanization on regional innovation and its mechanism. The empirical findings: (1) The improvement urbanization level has a significantly positive effect on regional innovation, and this positive effect has significant spatial spillover effects and regional heterogeneity. (2) Urbanization has threshold effect on regional innovation. When the level of urbanization crosses a single threshold, its effect on regional innovation is gradually enhanced. (3) We use mediation effect test to verify that the promotion of urbanization can enhance regional innovation capabilities by promoting the flow of innovation factors. The research conclusions can provide inspiration actively promote the construction of urbanization and promoting the construction of innovative country.