Abstract: To discuss appropriate cultivation density of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis in shading cultivation mode in Bijie City, Guizhou Province, differences in agronomic traits, photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and quality of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis under 5 cultivation densities were compared．Results showed that there were differences between agronomic traits and photosynthetic characteristics of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis with different cultivation densities, but differences were not significant．Significant differences were found in yield per unit area．Total content of three steroidal saponins in Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis decreased as cultivation density increased．All results met requirements of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China．Considering agronomic traits, photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and quality, a recommended row spacing for Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis cultivation in Bijie City was 8.3 cm × 20 cm or 10 cm × 20 cm．However, considering later stages of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis rhizomes and aboveground need more space, it was recommended to prioritize a row spacing of 10 cm × 20 cm, which had a higher total content of steroidal saponins．