[Objective] Soil physical and chemical properties that might affect the distribution of Cordyceps sinensis in Xiahe area of Gansu Province were investigated. To provide supports for habitat preservation and sustainable exploitation of Cordyceps sinensis.[Methods] Quadrate method was used to study the effects of soil physical and chemical properties on the distribution of Cordyceps sinensis population.[Results] The results showed pH value, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus and available potassium in all investigated soil depths had no significant effects on the distribution of Cordyceps sinensis population, whereas the effects of water content, organic matter, soil hydrolyzable nitrogen and total potassium were significant different. In the depth of 5-10 cm, water content, pH and total phosphorus had significant effects on the presence number of Cordyceps Sinensis. In this layer, its number was relatively great and the shape looked well. Principal component analysis showed that, total phosphorus was an important factor that affect the population distribution of Cordyceps sinensis presented in the first principal component; pH value was another important factor in the second principal component; and water content was also an important factor in the third principal.[Conclusion] Cordyceps sinensis had strict habitat requirements, especially water content, soil pH and total phosphorus can limit its distribution, effect of soil physic and chemical factors on distribution of Cordyceps sinensis in order:AP >pH >WC(water content) >TK >TN >OM(organic matter) >HN(hydrolyzable niteogen) >TP >AK.