Selected physical and mechanical properties of 4–6 year old moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) grown in Zhejiang, China were investigated at different vertical and horizontal positions. Two way analysis of variance and Tukey’s mean comparison tests indicated that layer had effects on all physical and mechanical properties. Height had effects on all selected properties except for tensile strength. Relative density, tangential shrinkage, tensile modulus of elasticity (MOE) and tensile strength of bamboo increased greatly from the inner layer outwards. However, longitudinal shrinkage decreased greatly from the inner layer outwards. Relative density, tangential shrinkage and tensile MOE at 1.3 m were less than those at 4.0 m from the base.