In this paper, different vegetation types in Bashang area were selected, soil moisture under different suction in different soil layers were measured by a high-speed centrifuge, and water characteristic curves fitted using Van Gennuchten model in order to analysis water retention characteristics. The results showed that soils in the study area are sandy with the bulk density of 1.59 g/cm³. Soil water characteristic curves were similar under different vegetation types, all in the shape of "rapid decline-slow decline-stability". Farmland has the strongest water holding supply capacities. Water holding capacity was the lowest under Populus, and water supply capacity was the lowest under Caragana korshinskii. Average soil wilting coefficient of non-farm land was 8.69%. As depth increased, soil water holding and supply capacities and wilting coefficient decreased. In Bashang area, high water consumption trees should be gradually reduced and sustainable system of trees, shrubs and grasses should be established. The above results can provide theoretical basis for determining soil wilting coefficient and soil dry layer and selecting vegetation reasonably in Zhangbei area.