Abstract: To provide a theoretical basis for identifying and screening high-yield Japonica rice varieties and establishing corresponding cultivation technology, 16 typical Japonica rice varieties were used as test materials in a field experiment. The yield traits, dry matter production characteristics and their correlation in Huaibei of Jiangsu were analyzed. The results showed that the yields of the tested Japonica rice varieties had great difference. The yields of different growth period types showed a trend of mid- maturing and mid- season varieties > early-maturing and late-season varieties > late-maturing and mid-season varieties. The correlation analysis showed that the components of yield were positively correlated with yield, and the partial correlation coefficients were all extremely significant. The path analysis showed that the direct effects of yield components on yield were all positive, and 1000-grain weight contributed most greatly to the effect. Indirect effects of 1000-grain weight on yield were all negative, and 1000-grain weight affected by spikelets per panicle was relatively higher. Analysis of dry matter productive force showed that total dry matter yield and average daily dry matter productivity of the whole growth period showed a trend of mid-maturing and mid-season varieties > early-maturing and late-season varieties > late-maturing and mid-season varieties. The total dry matter yield and grain/straw ratio of‘Longjing 968’were significantly higher than that of other Japonica rice varieties. The grain yield had obviously positive correlation with total dry matter yield and average daily dry matter productivity of the whole growth period. In conclusion, in Huaibei of Jiangsu, mid-maturing and mid-season Japonica rice varieties are the first choice, 1000-grain weight should be considered as the priority factor. In cultivation management, increasing the spikelets per panicle and the effective panicles per unit area as well as the amount of dry matter accumulation could achieve high yield.