Abstract: Permanent sample plots were established in 2007 in warm temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest in Donglingshan Mountain, Beijing forstudying early decomposition of litter. From November 2007 to November 2008, samples from litter bag and natural environment were collectedregularly and their color values (a*, b*, L*) were measured. Samples from 2009 to 2018 were collected from the same sample plots for comparison.The results indicated a*, b*, L* gradually decreased with the increase of time. Color change of litter mainly occurred in the first year ofdecomposition, and then gradually stable in the later stage. At the early stage of decomposition, there were significantly positive correlations amongthree indexes, and significantly one among decomposition years. At early stage, color was similar of samples from litterbag and natural environment,but later there were difference between them at later stage.