[Objectives] The purpose of this study was to analyze the water holding characteristics of soil and litter under different gap sizes and ages of Chinese fir, and to provide a theoretical basis for improving the quality of low-efficiency Chinese fir forests. [Method] The 4 a, 15 a, 30 a and 50 a gaps were selected by space-time substitution method, and the top community was used as the control. Four treatments were set for each gap age : small gap (≤50 m2), medium gap (50-100 m2), large gap (≥100 m2) and non-gap control. The water holding characteristics of soil and litter were determined by ring knife method, aluminum box drying method and litter soaking method, respectively. [Result] Only the gap age had a significant effect on the water holding characteristics of soil and litter, while the gap size and the interaction between gap age and gap size had no significant effect; The soil water holding capacity of forest gap in 4a was the best, and the standing crop, maximum water holding capacity, maximum water holding rate, natural water holding capacity and effective storage capacity of semi-decomposed litter in 15a were the best; The water holding rate of litter in different gap ages changed with the soaking time. The middle and large gaps performed better, and the water holding capacity of the semi-decomposed layer was stronger than that of the undecomposed layer; The natural water holding capacity of semi-decomposed litter was significantly positively correlated with soil capillary porosity, field water holding capacity and capillary water holding capacity.[Conclusion] The water holding capacity of soil and litter in forest gap was good in 4 a and 15 a, and the artificial opening of medium-sized forest gap could be used as an important technical means to improve the quality of low-efficiency Chinese fir forest.