<p>As a new structural type, the seismic performance of assembled subway stations’ connection joints is crucial to the safety of the overall structure. The prefabricated sidewall specimen with mortise-tenon joints (MTWJ specimen) and cast-in-place sidewall specimen (CWJ specimen) for comparison were designed and constructed, based on the first single-arch large-span assembled subway station-Changchun Yuanjiadian Station, in China. Low cyclic loading tests considering the strata constraint effect were adopted to compare and analyze the seismic performance of prefabricated sidewalls with mortise-tenon joints in terms of damage state, load capacity and energy dissipation capacity. The results showed that the damage modes of MTWJ specimens were penetration cracking in the middle of the tenon and concrete crushing damage in the tenon shoulders. Compared with the CWJ specimen, the ductility coefficient of the MTWJ specimen increased by 43%, and the energy dissipation capacity was almost the same, but the load capacity decreased by 34.4% ~ 51.5%. The finite element model of the mortise-tenon joint was established. The numerical results show that the calculation results of the finite element model are in good agreement with the experimental data. The relevant seismic performance indexes from the mortise-tenon joint with bolt-reinforced and “tie” form are better than cast-in-place structures. It is recommended to use epoxy resin and bolts to strengthen the mortise-tenon joint during construction. The research can scientifically guide the design and construction of assembled subway station structures.</p>