Abstract: The erect type variety of Salvia miltiorrhiza and the creeping type were chosen to study their photosynthetic characteristics and provide good cultivation and breeding basis for them. Diurnal variation of photosynthesis and photosynthetic response of both types of Salvia miltiorrhiza were studied using the LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system. The results showed that: (1) the photosynthetic characteristics of the creeping type met the features of typical heliophilous plant, which had higher LSP and broader light adaptability; (2) both Salvia miltiorrhiza types had photosynthetic midday-depress, and the decrease of Pn was due to non-stomatal limitation; (3) changes of environmental factors like temperature and humidity would influence the photosynthetic characteristics of creeping type more than the erect type; the erect type of Salvia miltiorrhiza had stronger environmental adaptation than the creeping type; (4) the yield of the creeping type of Salvia miltiorrhiza was better than that of the erect type under good cultivation conditions, and the yield increase was around 55%. The creeping type could be a better breeding material.