This study, taking the litter layer of rhododendron forest with mild, moderate, and severe interference intensity as the research object, analyzed the hydrological function characteristics of the litter layer of different interference intensity on the basis of indoor immersion method, aimed to reveal the influence of artificial tending and tourism management on the function of soil and water conservation of rhododendron forest in Baili Rhododendron nature reserve. The results showed that:(1) The litter reserves decreased with the increase of interference intensity, while it increased significantly with the increase of decomposition degree; natural moisture content decreased with the increase of interference intensity, and increased with the increase of decomposition degree. (2) The maximum water-holding capacity of rhododendron forest litter decreased with the increase of interference intensity, and increased significantly with the increase of decomposition degree. The maximum interception amount, maximum interception rate, effective interception amount, and effective interception rate of litter rose with the increase of interference intensity. (3) The water-holding capacity variation of litter layer manifested as an inverted "J" feature. The water-holding capacity of litter layer (Q) was positively correlated with soaking time (t) (P<0.05), and the regression equation was Q=b+aln t. The water-holding capacity increased gradually in the soaking time interval of 0~4 h, whereas the increase rate became slow in 4~48 h and then approached to saturation. (4) The water absorption rate of the litter layer was characterized by the cycles of "sharp reduction-rapid reduction-slow reduction-tending to stabilization". The water absorption rate (v) was significantly negative correlated with soaking time (t)(P<0.01), and the regression equation was v=at^-b. The litter had the strongest ability to play its hydrological function in 1h and showed the greatest function of rainfall interception in a short period of time.