In order to research soil water characteristics of water terrace in southwestern China, the Hani terraces were taken for example, 4 kinds of land use types(woodland, grassland, dry land, and paddy field) in the Hani terraced fields core (Quanfuzhuang watershed) were selected, the main soil physical and chemical index, soil water characteristic curve, water holding capacity, and moisture availability were measured in 0—10 cm, 10—20 cm, 20—40 cm, 40—60 cm, 60—80 cm, and 80—100 cm soil layers. The results showed that:(1) The soil bulk density varied from 0.61~1.41 g/cm³, and showed significant difference between 0—40 cm and 40—100 cm, and the content of soil organic matter was 1.17%~9.65%. The changes of soil total porosity and non capillary porosity were consistent with bulk density, and the soil capillary porosity was woodland>dryland and paddy field>grassland. (2) The soil texture was mainly silt loam, with the highest silt content (52.74%~82.55%), followed by sand content (14.44%~45.31%), and clay content (0~3.68%). (3) Under the same soil water suction, the soil water characteristic curve of each soil layer in woodland was relatively higher, and the soil water holding capacity was the strongest, followed by dry land and paddy field, and the lowest in grassland. Soil available water content was paddy field>woodland>dry land>grassland. (4) Soil particle composition and capillary porosity were the key factors affecting soil water characteristics in the Hani terrace. Soil water holding capacity was significantly positively correlated with particle composition, and soil available water content was significantly positively correlated with soil capillary porosity. Generally speaking, woodland in Hani terrace ecosystem has a good capacity of storing and discharging water, while terrace can retain water and redistribute water. Both of them play a very significant role in maintaining the sustainable development of the ecosystem. The results provide a reference for further research on soil moisture and irrigation management of terrace in southwest China.