The work aims to explore the effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the storage quality of Jianshui cattail. Fresh Jianshu cattail was treated with low oxygen atmosphere (MAP1), high oxygen atmosphere (MAP2) and high oxygen combined with high carbon dioxide atmosphere (MAP3). The quality changes of cattail were observed during storage for 20 days at 4 ℃. Compared with the blank control group, MAP1 group could effectively maintain the quality of cattail in the early stage, but accelerated the quality deterioration in the later stage due to the anaerobic respiration of cattail. High oxygen atmosphere group could effectively maintain the quality of cattail, while MAP3 group had better effect, which could maintain a lower weight loss rate and hardness and keep a higher value of Vc and L, and had the best sensory traits evaluation results. In PCA analysis, two main components were extracted, and the cumulative pigment contribution rate was 87.67%, which could better explain the information about the storage quality of cattail. L, Vc, hardness, weightlessness rate and carbon dioxide had great effects on the quality of cattail during storage. PCA analysis further verified that the combination of high oxygen and high carbon dioxide could help to stabilize the quality of cattail during storage. Modified atmosphere packaging can effectively improve the storage quality of Jianshui cattail, prolong the storage period, and the combination of high oxygen and high carbon dioxide has the best fresh-keeping effect.