Abstract: Using 'space replacing time’method, we studied the characteristics of bryophyte communities, as well as the α diversity and β diversity indices of bryophytes in various successional stages in a karst rocky desertification region in Guizhou. Results showed 21 bryophyte communities, with Eurohypnum leptothallum the dominant species in this area. For successional stages, the α diversity index gradually changed, first showing a downward trend, then rebounding in the lianas and boscage stage, and at last continuing to decline. The Pielou index indicated bryophyte community stage (0.9392)> arbor and shrubs stage (0.8675)> lianas and boscage stage (0.8651)> herbosa and boscage stage (0.7677)> herbosa stage (0.7676). For successional stages, the β diversity index (Sorenson index) showed consequent reduction in the number of the same species, and between communities the similarity coefficient gradually decreased. The similarity of bryophyte communities between the herbosa stage and lianas and boscage stage was higher than that of the herbosa stage and herbosa and boscage stage, but the total similarity coefficient showed a declining trend. This research can provide the basis for the study of succession in karst rocky desertification ecosystems.