Adsorption and desorption characteristics of Cd and Zn and factors affecting adsorption in sediments of Lake Dianchi were studied. Results showed that adsorption isotherms of Cd and Zn could be well described by Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd and Zn was quite high, being 6443 mg/kg for Cd and 13889 mg/kg for Zn, suggesting that the potential adsorption capacity of sediments of Lake Dianchi was great. The adsorption and desorption processes of Cd and Zn could be divided into rapid reaction within the first 30 minutes and slow reaction after 60 minutes. Relationship between adsorption (desorption) rate and duration of contact could be simulated by the power function. In addition, it was obtained that the effect of pH on adsorption was great and adsorption amount increased with pH value. The adsorption percentage of Cd and Zn was more than 97% when pH was 8.05.