[Objective] The research explored the degradation degree and vegetation characteristics of subalpine meadow in Dongling mountain in order to provide scientific basis and technological guide for ecosystem protection and sustainable use of resources. [Methods] Quadrat survey method was used. Based on the degree of vegetation degradation

the vegetation characteristics of subalpine meadow with different degradation degree were compared and analyzed according to the surveyed variables including the variation of dominant species

species diversity and the aboveground biomass

etc. [Results] Human activity was the main influence factor of the meadow degradation

and the most serious degraded area was at altitude of 2 100~2 200 m. According to the degree of human interference and vegetation coverage

subalpine meadow could be divided into four levels: severe degradation

moderate degradation

mild degradation and non-obvious degradation. [Conclusion] With the aggravation of degradation

species showed a decrease trend

so did the Shannon-Weiner index

Pielou index and Simpson's index

and the above ground biomass also reduced accordingly. In non-obvious degradation subalpine meadow

the number of species was 28

the dominant species were mainly Carex duriuscula

Sanguisorba officinalis

Polygonum viviparum

Iris tectorum

Saussurea iodostegia etc.

the aboveground biomass was 516.4 g/m2; while in severely degraded meadow

the number of species reduced to 14

the aboveground biomass was 58.3 g/m2

the dominant species were Plantago depressa and Taraxacum mongolicum.