Abstract: Based on the leaf traits of five main shrubs (Potentilla fruticose, Spiraea alpina, Sibiraea angustata, Salix paraplesia, Hippophae rhamnoides) in the alpine sand region of northwest Sichuan province, the differences of leaf structural and functional traits of the five shrubs, the correlations and differences with those of other regions were analyzed. The aim of this study was to explore the adaptability of plants to the environment in the region, and to provide the theoretical basis for the restoration and reconstruction of the ecosystem in the area. The results showed that the: the average of leaf thickness (LT) and specific leaf area (SLA) of the five shrubs were significantly different. The average SLA of Potentilla fruticose and Salix paraplesi were significantly lower than those of the other three shrubs. The average leaf tissue density (LTD) of Potentilla fruticose was significantly higher than that of the other four shrubs. Except Hippophae rhamnoides, there was no significant difference in the mean value of dry matter content (LDMC) among the other four shrubs. There was a significant correlation between functional traits of leaves: SLA was significantly negatively correlated with LDMC, LTD, LT, and LDMC was significantly negatively correlated with LTD and LT. The SLA of five shrubs in the alpine sand region of northwest Sichuan was significantly lower than that of plants in Beijing Dongling Mountain, Guangxi Daming Mountain and Hubei Shenlongjia Research Stations, and LT was significantly higher than of plants in the other three research points. It can be concluded that Potentilla fruticose and Salix paraplesia are more adaptable to drought and barren desertification among the five main shrubs in the alpine sand region of northwest Sichuan.