Fresh bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) shoots were stored in open or packaged circumstance at 10 degrees C to determine the effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the browning and lignification of the bamboo shoots. The packaging film was 0.04 min polyethylene bags and the gas components were 2% O-2, 5% CO2 and 93% N-2. The bamboo shoots of control treatment were not edible(dagger) at the end of the storage for severe browning, while the shoots of modified atmosphere packaging treatment browned slightly and remained edible. Modified atmosphere packaging treatment inhibited the formation of malondialdehyde and the activity of peroxidase and phenylalanin ammonialyase, which attributed to preventing the browning and lignification. Modified atmosphere packaging could not inhibit the formation of polyphenol and polyphenol oxidase activity, but the low 02 concentration and the low activity of peroxidase and phenylalanin ammonialyase prevented the enzymatic reaction and maintained the bamboo shoots unbrowned. Modified atmosphere packaging treatment could also significantly inhibit the lignification of the bamboo shoots by preventing the formation of cellulose and lignin contents.