Abstract: This study investigated the effect of altitude on fruit characteristics and the accumulation of bioactive compounds in the fruit of Podophyllum hexandrum, with the aim of better protecting and utilizing this wild resource. The experiments were conducted at different altitudes (2400-2500 m and 2900-3000 m), with measurements taken of fruit characteristics, bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity. Differences in altitude showed very strong effects on fruit characteristics and the accumulation of bioactive compounds in fruit tissue. The duration from flowering to fruit ripening stages at lower altitudes was 111 d, 5 d longer than that at higher altitudes, and the duration of the ripening stage increased by 13 d. The length, diameter, dry weight, seed number and thousand-seed weight per fruit were greater at lower than at higher altitudes, while the ratio of length-diameter was lower. The contents of soluble sugar, total flavonoid and phenolic in both peel and pulp at lower altitudes were significantly higher than those at higher altitudes. The inhibition percentages (I%) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP value) of 70% and 10% ethanol extracts from the peel and the FRAP value of 70% ethanol extracts from the pulp at lower altitudes were significantly higher than those at higher altitudes. At the same altitude, the content of soluble sugar in the pulp was significantly greater than that in the peel, while the contents of total flavonoid and phenolic were lower. The I% and FRAP value of 70% and 10% ethanol extracts from peel were significantly greater than those from pulp at lower altitudes, while at higher altitudes only the FRAP value of 70% ethanol extracts from the peel was significantly greater than that from the pulp. In conclusion, this study indicates that low altitude is conducive for fruit growth and development and for the accumulation of soluble sugar, total flavonoid and phenolic contents in the fruit of P. hexandrum.