In order to better understand the effects of different storage methods and duration on the seed germination and seedling growth of Distylium chinense, we used freshly mature seeds of D. chinense, to study seed germination by setting up 4 different storage durations(0, 30, 60, 90 days), and 6 storage methods: field submergence in water (2 m) (FSW), cold sand storage (CSS), cold dry storage (CDS), room sand storage (RSS), room dry storage (RDS), cold stratification (CSF). The characteristics of seed germination and seedling growth status were studied. The results showed: (1) there were 65.37% of seeds mildewed by CSF for 30 days, and the germination ratewas 30.93% in the last;The germination rate was 35.67% by FSW for 90 days. (2) The germination rate of CSS, CDS, RSS and RDS were significantly higher than fresh seeds (26.37%) (P<0.05), and CDS under 4 ℃ for 90 days got the highest germination rate (70.65%), with the coefficient of germination rate was 1 956.97. (3) Compared with fresh seeds, the contents of starch and protein of seeds by CDS for 90 days decreased by 38.75% and 20.16%, respectively, while content of total soluble sugar increased by 31.47%. Contents of starch, protein and total soluble sugar of seeds by FSW for 90 days significantly decreased by 48.75%, 62.62% and 6.29%, respectively. (4) The seedling growth status showed significant difference (P< 0.05) between different storage methods after 90 days, and the CDS got the highest seedling vigor index, while the seedling vigor index of FSW was significantly lower than that of other storage methods after seed germinated. The results showed that seed germination rate and seedling vigor index of D. chinense under low temperature condition were significantly higher than that of room temperature. The possible reasons were that the storage substance of seed is hydrolyzed with the protein content decreased and the soluble sugar content increased under lowtemperature storage condition, which is more favorable for seed absorption of soluble sugar and provides energy for seed germination,so as to accelerate the process of the breaking seed physiological dormancy. In addition, D. chinense seeds possessed a certain tolerance to the submergence. Therefore, D. chinense can be considered prior species in the restoration and reconstruction of vegetation in the high elevation area in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir.