Abstract: To investigate the wild distribution and population characteristics of Calycanthus chinensis in Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province, literature reviews and field surveys were conducted to determine the distribution boundaries of the species.Quadrant sampling was employed to examine the population characteristics of C.chinensis in three typical plant communities: evergreen broad-leaved forests, Chinese fir(Cunninghamia lanceolata)forests and moso bamboo(Phyllostachys edulis)forests.The results showed that C.chinensis is mainly distributed in Lingli of Huangshui Village and Jingguoping of Xialiaokeng Village in Longxi Township, at altitudes ranging from 635 to 981 meters.Analysis of population characteristics revealed that the age structure of C.chinensis populations is "pyramid-shaped", indicating a growth population.Although the number of C.chinensis in moso bamboo forests was the highest among the three community types, the overall survival numbers in all three communities decreased with increasing age class, displaying a Deevey-Ⅰ survival curve.The populations in all three community types exhibited clumped distribution patterns, and after 2, 4, and 5 age classes, the population numbers gradually increased.Therefore, the C.chinensis population in Tiantai County possesses a certain regeneration ability and is a steadily growing population.The mortality rates of seedlings and mature trees were relatively high, the population growth was slow, and it was highly sensitive to external disturbances.It was recommended that future management should focus on the growth conditions of C.chinensis individuals in age classes I and IV, and improve their habitat through appropriate tending measures, thereby promoting natural regeneration and population recovery.