[Objective] The differences in litter water-holding characteristics of different plantation types were investigated to provide scientific basis for understanding the forest hydrological cycles and its management in study area.[Methods] Larix principis-rupprechtii and Betula platyphylla plantations in Chongli mountain of Zhangjiakou City were chosen in this study. We established standard plots under the two forest types. The depth and storage of the litter layer were measured and water-holding characteristics of litter were measured using immersion method.[Results] The litter was as thick as 4.2 cm and 3.4 cm and the total litter volume was 10.90 t/hm²and 4.92 t/hm² in the L. principis-rupprechtii and B. platyphylla plantations, respectively. The maximum water holding capacity(measured after 24 h immersion) of litter layer in L. principis-rupprechtii and B. platyphylla were 4 228.5 g/kg and 5 208.6 g/kg, and the corresponding effective water holding capacity were 14.06 t/hm² and 8.85 t/hm², respectively. During the whole water holding process, the water holding capacity, absorption and the immersed time change with same trend, they were superior to the rest of time in the first 4 hours and the water holding capacity reached saturation after 10 h immersion. In addition, the relationship between litter water holding capacity and immersed time followed a logarithmic curve, and that between the water absorption rate and immersed time was fitted well with a power function.[Conclusion] Hydrological function of forest litter is regulated by both litter storage and water-holding capacity. Some factors, such as species composition and stand density, should be considered in forest management.