[Objective] This study investigated heavy metal pollution in the cultivation and production areas of medicinal plants to provide basis for quality control of medicinal plants and construction of GAP bases. [Method] A total of 16 soil samples and 4 water samples were collected from typical medicinal plant planting bases and production areas in Hanzhong, southern Shaanxi. Basic physical and chemical properties of soil and water samples and contents of heavy metal elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd and Pb) were analyzed. The pollution status of soil heavy metals was evaluated using geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk index. The relationships between soil physical and chemical properties and contents and sources of heavy metal elements were determined through correlation analysis, redundancy analysis and principal component method. [Result] There were obvious differences in soil pH, organic matter, total phosphorus and total nitrogen content at different points. In soil samples,all metal elements (V, Cr,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn, As,Cd and Pb) had contents less than local soil background values except Se, whose highest value of 1. 83 mg/kg was less than the limit of soil selenium content (3. 0 mg/kg). Water pH of the 4 sampes was 6. 78 - 7. 52 and Ni was the main pollutant with contents exceeding standards. The geo-accumulation index showed that only one sample site (Chenggu Natural Valley Pharmaceutical) had Cd content in level of no pollution to moderate pollution. The potential ecological hazard index showed that the potential risk of heavy metals was mild, mainly from Cd. Principal component analysis showed that V,As, Cd and Pb in soil samples were mainly from atmospheric deposition and wastewater discharged from industrial activities. Mn,Fe,Co,Zn,Ni and Cu were mainly from soil and natural accumulation. The source of Se was mainly local agricultural activities. [Conclusion] The heavy metals in planting and production areas of medicinal plants in Hanzhong were at levels of non-polluting or low-polluting, and this area was suitable for medicinal plants. In the future planting and production, Cd pollution in soil should be controlled to reduce soil pollution and ecological risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]