Abstract: Zhutou Puzuo joint is an important component of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. The study on the seismic performance of Puzuo for the protection of the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is of considerable practical importance. The impacts of structural characteristics on the seismic performances of the Zhutou Puzuo are the focus of this study. Zhutou Puzuo models of the open-layer at the 3rd to 5th story are tested by the horizontal low cycle tests. Results show that: the more the number of Pu of the models with varied structural characteristics is, the stronger the energy dissipation capacity and the greater the horizontal bearing capacity are. In positive loading, rotational deformation of the Zhutou Puzuo is the predominated deformation, while both rotational and slip deformations predominate in negative direction. The proportion of slip deformation in components decreases with the increasing the number of Pu. In the negative loading, the proportion of slip deformation increases when the number of Pu decreases. However, slip deformation increases dramatically when the ears of Sandou or Qixindou between two adjacent layers are sheared in the negative loading. The maximum proportions of slip deformation of DG-1, DG-2 and DG-3 account for 51%, 47% and 87%, respectively. The sliding components of the Zhutou Puzuo at the 3rd to 5th story are primarily located in the middle and upper portions of the model. The research can give a solid basis for the safety and rehabilitation of Yingxian Wooden Pagodas.