[Objective] The research explored the degradation degree and vegetation characteristics of subalpine meadow in Dongling mountain in order to provide scientific basis and technological guide for ecosystem protection and sustainable use of resources. [Methods] Quadrat survey method was used. Based on the degree of vegetation degradation, the vegetation characteristics of subalpine meadow with different degradation degree were compared and analyzed according to the surveyed variables including the variation of dominant species, species diversity and the aboveground biomass, etc. [Results] Human activity was the main influence factor of the meadow degradation, and the most serious degraded area was at altitude of 2 100~2 200 m. According to the degree of human interference and vegetation coverage, subalpine meadow could be divided into four levels: severe degradation, moderate degradation, mild degradation and non-obvious degradation. [Conclusion] With the aggravation of degradation, species showed a decrease trend, so did the Shannon-Weiner index, Pielou index and Simpson's index, and the above ground biomass also reduced accordingly. In non-obvious degradation subalpine meadow, the number of species was 28, the dominant species were mainly Carex duriuscula, Sanguisorba officinalis, Polygonum viviparum, Iris tectorum, Saussurea iodostegia etc., the aboveground biomass was 516.4 g/m²; while in severely degraded meadow, the number of species reduced to 14, the aboveground biomass was 58.3 g/m², the dominant species were Plantago depressa and Taraxacum mongolicum.