[Objective] The geomorphic characteristics of Laoshan Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province and its impacts on land use were studied in order to provide support for resource and environmental management and biodiversity conservation in this area and in similar nature reserves.[Methods] The study was conducted at the Laoshan Nature Reserve in Southeast Yunnan Province. Field geological and geomorphic survey data were combined with digital topographic analysis using DEM data with 12.5 m resolution. Elevation, relief, slope, aspect, hypsometric index and topographic profile were selected as parameters to characterize the geomorphic features of the area. Quantitative indexes such as topographic potential index and distribution index were selected to discuss the influence of geomorphic features on land use types.[Results] ① There were three mountain elevation types, six slope grades, six basic geomorphic types, and the distribution characteristics of slope direction with north-south difference. These topographic factors were further differentiated on the lithologic basis of carbonate rock and granite; ② Under the comprehensive action of topographic factors, structure, and lithology, the hypsometric integral of each sub-basin in the reserve ranged from 0.279 to 0.763, and the average hypsometric integral was 0.501, indicating that the reserve was in the early stage of geomorphic evolution. At the sub-basin scale, the reserve showed a spatial pattern of diverse coexistence of juvenile, mature, and old geomorphic stages; ③ As elevation, slope, and topographic index gradient increased, and as slope changed from sunny to shady, the land use type dominated by human factors gradually lost its dominant position and was replaced by the land use type dominated by natural processes.[Conclusion] Unique geomorphic spatial patterns and abundant habitat types are not only important supports for biodiversity, but also important reasons for the formation of spatial allocation of land use types.