In order to exploit the salttolerance ability of Chionanthus retusus, we studied the plant growth, distribution patterns of Na⁺ and K⁺ and relative conductivity and osmotic adjustment substances of C. retusus under different concentrations (50, 100, 200, 300 mmol·L^-1) of NaCl solution with potted twoyear seedlings. The results show that: (1) with the increase of NaCl concentration, the seedling growth of C. retusus decreased gradually; the salt damage index increased and the survival rate decreased. Salt tolerance threshold of seedling was 98.693 mmol·L^-1 (0.577% W/V). (2) The content of Na⁺ in every organof seedlings increased continuously. At 50mmol·L^-1, it was roots > leaves > stems, and in other treatment groups was leaves > roots > stems. At the same time, the content of K⁺ in roots and leaves showed a trend of increasing firstly and then decreasing. The content of K⁺ in stems decreased in general, and the content of K⁺ in organs showed roots > leaves > stems. In addition, the selective ion transport capacity from root to stem and stem to leaf and the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in each organ showed a decreasing trend. (3) With the increase of NaCl concentration, the contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein in leaves of C. retusus seedlings increased in general, and the proline content showed an upward trend and then a downward trend. It is concluded that under salt stress, the root system of C. retusus seedlings can balance the damage of salt stress by enlarging the root growth; the root system can prevent the salt damage by absorbing and accumulating Na⁺ to the aboveground parts; the leaf and stem can increase theselective absorption and accumulation of K⁺, thereby increasing the ratio of K⁺/Na⁺ to slow down the physiological metabolism of salt damage.