Abstract: Taking orchid plants in Foding Mountain National Nature Reserve as research object.A systematic investigation was carried out by using quadrat method combined with line transect method, and the species composition, floristic characteristics, distribution law, threatened status and development trend were studied, in order to provide a scientific reference basis for the protection of orchid plants and the optimization and adjustment of the function of protected areas in this area.The results showed that, 1) there were 48 species of orchids in the study area, including 31 species of terrestrial orchids, 15 species of epiphytic orchids and 2 species of saprophytic orchids.2) The floristic composition was dominated by tropical components and China-specific distribution, with the characteristics of transition from tropical distribution to temperate distribution.3) The population density of orchids in the study area was not high, and the spatial distribution was very uneven.The horizontal distribution showed five hot spots in different degrees, and the vertical distribution was concentrated at the altitude of 700-1 100 m, which was in line with the theoretical distribution characteristics of ‘mid-domain effect’.4) The diversity of orchids in different vegetation types varies greatly, mainly distributed in evergreen broad-leaved forest to evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest.5) The protected areas were disturbed by human activities to a certain extent, so it was necessary to strengthen the protection of orchid hots pots.