Cunninghamia lanceolata is one of the main afforestation tree species in the subtropical region, which plays an important role in regional carbon cycle and mitigating climate change. We established the tree-ring standardized chronology of Cunninghamia lanceolata at 6 sites (including JG, MZL, FY, JL, DF, and GF) in the subtropical region. The relationship between tree ring chronology and climate factors and the response mechanisms of radial growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata to climate change were analyzed. We also explored the response strategies of Cunninghamia lanceolata to drought events at different sites. This study will provide theoretical basis for the management of plantation in the subtropical region. The results showed that mean sensitivity (MS) of tree growth to climate change in the six study areas was greater than 0.15, and the expressed population signal (EPS) was greater than 0.85, all of which were at acceptable levels. It is indicated that the radial growth at six sites was regionally representative and suitable for climate related analysis. The radial growth was positively correlated with mean temperature and precipitation during the growing season and the minimum temperature in summer of last year, while it was significantly negatively correlated with the maximum temperature. Radial width index (RWI) of the GF site was significantly positively correlated with relative humidity (RH) from July to October, but other locations had poor correlations with monthly RH. At FY, DF, and GF sites, RWI was significantly correlated with drought index and had a weak relationship with drought index at other sites. Drought events exerted negative effects on tree growth, and the basal area increment (BAI) of Cunninghamia lanceolata in the 6 study areas showed a rising trend firstly and then decreased. The BAI presented different declines at the later growing stage. After the second drought, trees were more resilient to drought events. Trees at lower latitudes were more affected by drought and prone to have less resistance and higher resilience to drought events.