Abstract: Leaf morphological and physiological characteristics and above-ground nutrients of Carex thunbergii were investigated after light grazing. 1) Height and fresh and dry weights of grass under light grazing were significantly lower than those of the CK during the first four phases of restoration but could be restored to the same level as that of the CK after about 40 d. There was no significant difference in population density, between light grazing and CK during the whole restoration process. 2) MDA content increased and reached a peak after the first week, then slowly declined until it was restored to the CK level after about 30 d. CAT and SOD enzyme activities initially increased then decreased to the CK level about one month later. POD activity was initially higher than that of the CK, then after a reduction there was a second increase followed by a slow decrease to the CK level. There were no significant differences in leaf chlorophyll content compared with those of the CK. 3) Above-ground crude fat and protein content increased with time and were considerably higher than those of the CK. Above-ground crude fiber content was initially significantly higher under light grazing than in the CK but significantly decreased with time until it reached CK level about 20 d later. It continued to decline and became lower than that of the CK. C. thunbergii has a strong restoration ability and has improved herb quality after light grazing.