[Objective] Soil CO₂ production potential of different vegetation types in response to temperature change was analyzed in order to provide the basis for accurate estimation of CO₂ production and greenhouse gas emissions. [Methods] A simulated culture experiment was conducted for 120 days for three different types of wetland soil (Nelumbo nucifera, Phragmites australis and open water), and the treatment was set at 15, 25, and 35 ℃ to observe the difference in the CO₂ production potential of the wetland soil of different vegetation types and evaluate their response to temperature change. [Results] The fastest soil CO₂ production rate among the different vegetation types in East Taihu Lake was recorded in the 35 ℃ culture treatment. Under the culture temperature of 35 ℃, the CO₂ production rate of P. australis and open water surface increased with an increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) but that of the rest were negatively correlated. The maximum CO₂ production potential of N. nucifera and P. australis soil was in the order as follows: 35 ℃ ＞ 15 ℃ ＞ 25 ℃ and that of open water surface was 15 ℃ ＞ 25 ℃ ＞ 35 ℃. The CO₂ production potential of N. nucifera and P. australis wetlands was positively correlated with culture temperature, whereas that of the open water surface was significantly negatively correlated. Comparising all of the temperature sensitivity coefficient Q₁₀ values, it was found that only N. nucifera soil temperature rise Q₁₀＞ temperature drop Q₁₀. [Conclusion] High temperature can accelerate CO₂ production rate and increase DOC change in different vegetation types. Regarding the CO₂ production potential of soil with the same temperature and different vegetation, it was found that P. australis and open water surface were more sensitive to cooling. The greenhouse gas production of wetland plants and the soil was greatly affected by external temperature; therefore, more attention should be paid to future urban water ecological management.