In order to explore the effects of litter physical barrier on the natural regeneration of Castanopsis kawakamii forest, we set up seven treatments with 0 cm (CK), 2 cm (D2), 4 cm (D4), 6 cm (D6), 8 cm (D8) litter in the upper layer and 2 cm (U2), 4 cm (U4) litter in the lower layer of the seed by simulating litter cover in the field. The aim was to study the effects of litter cover and thickness on the seed germination and radicle growth of C. kawakamii. The results showed that: (1) litter cover and thickness had significant influences on the seed germination process. The CK had the longest seed germination duration, followed by D treatments (litter on the upper layer of the seed). The initial germination time of U treatments (litter on the lower layer of the seed) was significantly delayed. (2) the CK had the highest seed germination percentage. The seed germination of D6 treatment was relatively fast and evenness. The seed germination percentage and germination potential of U treatments were both significantly decreased compared with that of D treatments, and the germination inhibition rate was significantly increased. (3) the radicle growth of D treatments was relatively fast, and their radicle length was longer than those of CK. The radicle growth rate in the U treatments showed a slow trend followed by fast tendency. The results showed that forest litter was an important factor, which influenced the seed germination and radicle growth of C. kawakamii. It mainly inhibited seed germination by hindering the interaction between seed and soil, thus affected the C. kawakamii forest regeneration.