Abstract: In this paper, effects of changes in anthayanin content on chlorophyll contents, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and excitation energy distribution in photosynthetic apparatus in leaves of Syringa oblata Lindl.during leaf expansion were investigated. The results showed that anthocyanin contents decreased and chlorophyll contents increased in leaves of S. oblata with the expansion of leaves. There was a significant negative relationship between anthocyanin content and chlorophyll content, and capability of light capture and utilization of leaves were strengthened gradually with the increasing of anthocyanin contents, but the maximal PSⅡ photochemical efficiency(F_v/F_m)had no significant change. During leaf expansion, leaf anthocyanin contents decreased, and the quantum yield of thermal dissipation in non-functional PSⅡ(Ф_NF)and the quantum yield of light-dependent and △pH-and xanthophyll-mediated regulated thermal dissipation(Ф_NPQ)decreased. This showed that the younger leaf age was, the more anthocyanin contents had. And not only energy proportion of trans-thylakoid pH gradient and xanthophyll-regulated thermal energy dissipation in young leaves were higher than in mature leaves, but also quantum yield of thermal dissipation assigned by light absorption of PSⅡ reaction center to non-functional PSⅡ was larger. The distribution mechanism of light energy significantly decreased the pressure of active PSⅡ response center in young leaves, therefore, anthocyanin can prevent young leaves form the destruction of excess light energy.