[Objective] The characteristics of precipitation and its sediment effect in Wujiang river basin was investigated, in order to provide theoretical reference for soil and water conservation, ecological restoration, disaster prevention and mitigation, and the rational use of water resources.[Methods] The accumulative anomaly curve methods and double-mass curve were used to analyze rainfall characteristics in interannual, chronological and flood seasons, and to analyze the contribution rate of rainfall erosivity and human activities sediment effect.[Results] ① From 1956 to 2014, the annual precipitation and annual erosive precipitation showed a decreasing trend, and the annual precipitation experienced five wet-dry-alternate periods. ② Rainfall occurred mostly in 1970s and 1990s, and about 32.57% of the precipitation caused soil erosion in the basin during the past 59 years. Erosive precipitation occurred mostly in 1960-1979. ③ The precipitation in flood season was mainly erosive precipitation, and the erosive precipitation mainly occurred in June. ④ According to the double mass curve equation, the contribution of precipitation erosivity to river sediment discharge in the last 6 years of 1980s, 1990s and the first 14 years of the 21st century was 15.55%, 2.84% and 12.46%, respectively.[Conclusion] The rainfall erosion and sediment yield in Wujiang river basin occurred more in flood season. After 1983, the variation of sediment discharge was mainly influenced by human activities.