Abstract: To scientifically manage and operate Cunninghamia unicanaliculata plantation, the artificial forest in Jiangxijie Township, Huidong County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture was selected as the research object, and the relationship between key environmental factors and the growth characteristics of C. unicanaliculata were analyzed by standard plot survey, and stem analysis method, combined with local meteorological data. The results demonstrated that the DBH, tree height and total volume growth of 36-year-old plantation were 22.65 cm, 15.2 m and 0.2828 m³ respectively, and the DBH experienced rapid growth in the first 6 years, peaking at the 6th year, and entered the maturation stage after the 9th year. The average height growth rate reached its maximum in the sixth to twelfth year, while the annual increment peaked at ninth year, suggesting tending and thinning should be implemented in the ninth to twelfth year. The annual volume increment curve intersected with the average increment curve at 36th year, indicating the optimal harvest age. Correlation analysis with environmental factors revealed that moisture was the dominant driver for DBH and height growth but inversely affected volume accumulation. High temperature and radiation promoted volume accumulation while suppressing both radial (DBH) and vertical (height) growth. During the fast-growing stage, management should prioritize water regulation and shading measures to mitigate growth inhibition caused by high temperatures and excessive evaporation. In the maturation stage, thinning practices should be intensified to enhance light penetration and soil temperature, thereby amplifying the thermal benefits for volume accumulation. These findings provide actionable strategies for balancing environmental constraints and growth optimization in C. unicanaliculata plantation management.