By exploring the species diversity and soil physical and chemical properties of four typical forest types (natural broad-leaved mixed forest, artificial broad-leaved mixed forest, artificial broad-leaved pure forest, and artificial coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest) in Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City, based on their origins and stand types, we analyzed their species diversity differences and the relationship between them and soil environmental factors, providing a theoretical basis for improving the quality of natural forests accurately. Using the typical quadrat survey method and statistical analysis methods, we calculated the Magalef richness index, Shannon-Wiener index, and Simpson dominance index to analyze the differences in species composition, dominance, and species diversity of the arbor and shrub layers in typical forest communities in Zengcheng District, and conducted correlation analysis with soil environmental factors. A total of 193 species belonging to 82 families and 153 genera were surveyed in the study area. The dominant species and their importance values of the four forest types were as follows: natural broad-leaved mixed forest (Machilus thunbergii, 6. 36%), artificial broad-leaved mixed forest (M. thunbergii, 5. 52%), artificial broad-leaved pure forest (Eucalyptus, 29. 54%), and artificial coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest (Canarium, 4. 73%). The dominant species in natural and artificial broad-leaved mixed forests showed an inverted J-shaped distribution, while artificial coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests and broad-leaved pure forests showed a normal distribution. The four forest types had significant differences in species diversity, soil nitrogen, and phosphorus content. Among them, the artificial broad-leaved pure forest had the lowest species diversity in the arbor layer and the highest species diversity in the shrub layer. The soil nutrient content of the four forest types varied significantly, and there was a significant correlation between species diversity and soil physical and chemical properties. Forests of different origins and stand types in the region require different management measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]