The main aim is to identify changes in forest ground vegetation in five study areas in southern Chinese forests during the first two years after establishment. Abundances of all species were recorded in 50 marked 1m2 vegetation plots in each of five study areas, situated in forests dominated by subtropical broadleaved and coniferous trees. All 250 plots were analysed twice: in 2000-2002 and two years later (2002-2004). Species abundance was analysed by univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Two-year changes in single-species abundances, species number and species composition were tested. Results showed that vascular plant species decreased significantly in abundance in one area and increased significantly in two areas, whereas bryophyte species decreased significantly in abundance in one area and increased significantly in another area. The number of bryophyte species increased significantly in three areas and decreased significantly in two areas, whereas the number of vascular plant species increased significantly in two areas. Significant change in species composition along the second most important vegetation gradient (DCA2) was observed in two areas. The patterns of changes in bryophytes can be explained by climatic fluctuations, substantiating that the bryophytes are good indicators of biotic effects of climatic change. The increase in the abundance and numbers of vascular plant species in two areas is most likely due to seasonal variation and more favourable climatic growth conditions the second and third years, compared with the first year of analysis. No clear indications have been found of changes in vascular plant species that may be linked to soil acidification or direct effects of air pollutants.