Aims <p>This study aims to investigate the morphological characteristics of soil preferential flow and its influencing factors under different elevation gradients in Mopan Mountain, central Yunnan.</p> Methods <p>Three elevation gradients—high (2565 m), medium (2011 m), and low (1630 m)—were selected as research plots. Dominant native vegetation communities were identified at each site, and field dye tracer experiments were conducted to assess soil preferential flow. Based on multiple field surveys, the dominant vegetation types were classified as alpine meadows at high elevations, evergreen broad-leaved forests at mid elevations, and mixed tree–shrub forests at low elevations. Key research indicators included quantitative parameters of preferential flow, basic soil physicochemical properties, and standard root system metrics.</p> Results <p>Preferential flow was observed across all elevation levels, with the most pronounced development occurring at mid elevation, where the stained area ratio reached 37.98% and the preferential flow ratio was 48.84%. The low-elevation plot exhibited moderate preferential flow development, while the high-elevation meadow showed the weakest. Among the four root indicators, root volume density contributed most significantly (82.1%). Spatial differentiation in soil physicochemical properties across elevations.</p> Conclusion <p>Soil structural variation driven by elevation gradients is a key factor controlling the spatial heterogeneity of preferential flow. However, the influence of plant roots is also critical. Root-created channels serve as important preferential pathways that significantly enhance soil water.</p>