Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is an important forest resource in southern China. The conversion from mixed bamboo and broad-leaf forest to pure bamboo forest may cause a potential degradation of soil fertility in pure bamboo plantations. Therefore, understanding the productivity and biochemical cycling process of bamboo forests is vital for maintaining the sustainability. In this study, we investigated nutrient allocation and biochemical cycling patterns in different aged (1 year, 3 years, and 5 years) bamboo forests. The age category was based on the age distribution of the individual bamboo in one forest site, which accounted for more than 50%-60% of the total individuals. Our results showed that the mean tissue concentrations of N and K were the highest in all the bamboo forests, whereas Ca and P were the lowest. The nutrient concentrations also varied in different organs nested in different aged stands of bamboo. Additionally, the nutrient contents varied in different dead floor layer among different aged stands or even in a same aged stand. N, P, and K in soil decreased with soil depth, while Ca content increased. The accumulated nutrients ranged 338.31-1104.72 kg/hm² in the whole forest ecosystem, 37.69-46.94 kg/hm² in dead floor, and 56952.67-63783.22 kg/hm² in soil layers, respectively. The nutrient cycling index ranged from 237.41-338.30 kg hm^-2 a^-1 for annual absorption, 20.84-86.47 kg hm^-2 a^-1 for annual return, and 216.57-267.05 kg hm^-2 a^-1 for annual retention, respectively. The nutrients utilization coefficient was 0.27-1.00, 0.09-0.25 for cycling coefficient, and 6.17-40.33 years for recycling period, respectively. Our results indicated that bamboo forests had relatively high absorption, low return, and high retention of nutrient elements on an annual basis. Thus, more nutrients are needed and advanced scientific management is required in order to maintain a long-term productivity of bamboo forests comparing to other common forest types in this area.