[Objective] Soil physical and chemical properties that might affect the distribution of Cordyceps sinensis in Xiahe area of Gansu Province were investigated. To provide supports for habitat preservation and sustainable exploitation of Cordyceps sinensis.[Methods] Quadrate method was used to study the effects of soil physical and chemical properties on the distribution of Cordyceps sinensis population.[Results] The results showed pH value

total nitrogen

total phosphorus

available phosphorus and available potassium in all investigated soil depths had no significant effects on the distribution of Cordyceps sinensis population

whereas the effects of water content

organic matter

soil hydrolyzable nitrogen and total potassium were significant different. In the depth of 5-10 cm

water content

pH and total phosphorus had significant effects on the presence number of Cordyceps Sinensis. In this layer

its number was relatively great and the shape looked well. Principal component analysis showed that

total phosphorus was an important factor that affect the population distribution of Cordyceps sinensis presented in the first principal component; pH value was another important factor in the second principal component; and water content was also an important factor in the third principal.[Conclusion] Cordyceps sinensis had strict habitat requirements

especially water content

soil pH and total phosphorus can limit its distribution

effect of soil physic and chemical factors on distribution of Cordyceps sinensis in order:AP >pH >WC(water content) >TK >TN >OM(organic matter) >HN(hydrolyzable niteogen) >TP >AK.