Abstract: 【Objective】 To study the effects of different irrigation amounts on the yield and growth characteristics of upland rice (Hanxiang 1) and paddy rice (Liangxiang 3) by using the mulching drip irrigation mode with a view to providing a theoretical basis for the appropriate irrigation amount for upland rice cultivation in Xinjiang. 【Methods】 Upland rice and paddy rice were taken as the research objects and common rice as the control, five irrigation amounts, 375 mm(W₁), 525 mm(W₂), 675 mm(W₃), 900 mm(W₄) and 1125 mm(W₅) were set to study the effects of different irrigation amounts on the yield, growth and development of upland rice and paddy rice under drip irrigation and film mulching. 【Results】 The results showed that under different irrigation treatments, the growth period delayed, plant height, leaf area index, dry matter weight, yield and WUE of upland rice and rice decreased with the decrease of irrigation amounts. Under 675 mm (W₃) treatment, upland rice yield and WUE were significantly increased, which were 4,506 kg/hm² and 0.67, respectively. Under 1,125 mm(W₅) treatment, the highest yield of rice was 7,485 kg/hm² and WUE was 0.67. There was no significant difference in upland rice yield when the irrigation amount was greater than 675 mm, and upland rice yield was 60.45% higher and water use efficiency was 61.19% higher when the irrigation amount was 675 mm (W₃) than that of rice. The average yield, water use efficiency and water saving amount of upland rice under each irrigation were 11.24%, 10% and 22.2% higher than those of paddy rice. 【Conclusion】 Planting upland rice in arid region of Xinjiang is limited by water. In addition to saving water resources and improving yield, The optimal irrigation amount for upland rice planting in Xinjiang is 675 mm.