Abstract: 【Objective】The chlorophyll contents and light response curves of Phyllostachys edulis were studied to compare analysis on the response characteristics of water stress and discuss drought resistance physiology and adaptation, so as to provide the theoretical basis for water management in this species.【Method】 The experiment was conducted with one-to-five-year-old Ph. edulis plants. The photosynthetic pigment contents and light response curves were recorded, and photosynthetic parameters, including the maximum net photosynthetic rate(P_n,max), light saturation point(P_LSP), light compensation point(P_LCP), dark respiration rate(R_d)and apparent quantum efficiency(η_AQY)were calculated. 【Results】 The chlorophyll contents of Ph. edulis were not significantly different between different ages, but the difference in photosynthetic rate between three years old and one or five years old was significant. The photosynthetic rate between one and five years of age was not different. The chlorophyll contents of one-year-old plants under drought conditions were significantly lower than those of the control group, while the chlorophyll contents of five-year-old plants had no significant difference between the drought and control groups. Additionally, the carotenoid content in three-year-old plants was higher under drought conditions. The changes in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate for each year were different. The photosynthetic rate in one-year-old and and five-year-old plants under drought conditions was significantly higher than that in control conditions, but three-year-old plants showed no difference. 【Conclusion】In general, the drought treatment increased the utilization efficiency of one-year-old and five-year-old plants, but decreased the ecological light adaptability of three-year-old plants.