Using active divectory topology diagrammer（ADTD） lightning location data and terrain elevation data,the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics is analyzed of lightning in southern China, focusing on the characteristics of lightning activity, peak changes and seasonal changes under terrain differences. The statistical analysis shows that the lightning in southern China is more in summer than in winter, and the seasonal alternation has little influence on the lightning peak time, which is mainly distributed around 14:00 (Beijing Time, BJT) to 16:00. The lightning peak time near the place where the terrain elevation changes greatly in southern China will occur around 0:00, which shows that the terrain also has an impact on the number of lightning activities.