Abstract: 【Objective】Cyclocarya paliurus, which is native to China, is grown for its fine timber and medicinal properties. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of light quality and intensity on the growth and antioxidative properties of C. paliurus seedlings, in order to establish a basis for directional cultivation. 【Method】Current year C. paliurus seedlings were grown in artificial climate chambers under one of five types of light(white, red, blue, green and violet light), one of three levels of light intensity(500, 750 and 1 000 μmol/(m²·s), and constant temperature and humidity, and the groups' growth indices and antioxidative activity were measured. 【Result】Both the light quality and intensity, as well as their interaction, significantly affected the growth indices and antioxidant enzyme activity of the C. paliurus seedlings. Seedling height, diameter and biomass generally increased with increasing light intensity, whereas the SOD(superoxide dismutase), POD(peroxidase)and CAT(catalase)activities decreased. The highest seedling height, base diameter and biomass were achieved under the red and blue light treatments, whereas the lowest values were observed under the green and purple light treatments. On the contrary, the SOD, POD and CAT activities of C. paliurus seedlings were significantly lower under the red and blue light treatments than under the green and purple light treatments.【Conclusion】The growth indices and antioxidant enzyme activity of C. paliurus seedlings are significantly modified by both light quality and intensity and that high-intensity red and blue light have the greatest positive effects on the growth of C. paliurus seedlings. Furthermore, these results provide a reference for establishing a C. paliurus agroforestry management system.