AbstractForty-eight individuals of eight populations of Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood), including six relict populations and two cultivated, were analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to determine the genetic variations among and within the populations. A total of 57 loci (including 22 polymorphic loci) were amplified using 16 random primers. The average percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) was 38.6% in the relict populations. The difference of the percentage of polymorphic loci among all the populations was evident (10.53%～33.33%). Of the eight populations, Xiaohe and Guihua populations in Lichuan City, Hubei had high PPL(33.33% and 31.58%), while the population in Longshan Luota, Hunan had relatively low PPL (10.53%), and the two cultivated populations also had low PPL (10.53% and 8.77%). As analyzed by POPGENE version 1.31, the data from the relict populations has an average Nei's gene diversity of 0.1305, and Shannon's genetic diversity of 0.1921. Correlation coefficient between genetic distance and geographic distance was 0.23466 (P=73.27%). Among the relict populations,G_st was 0.1082, indicating that there was some differentiation among the populations. The two cultivated populations and the two Lichuan relict populations clustered together. In view of the damage and fragmentation of original habitats, the low genetic diversity and the dispersed distribution of wild Metasequoia glyptostroboides , we suggest establishing a conservation spot in the optimal habitat of Xiaohe and Guihua in Lichuan, where we can breed and plant seeds from the remaining 250 wild trees. By this means, the remaining genetic diversity resources of the species can be preserved to the greatest extent.