Abstract: Light plays a key role in net primary productivity. To take full advantage of light interception and Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) in maize, Reasonable planting densities should be suggested for different varieties to achieve optimal growth conditions in North-Eastern China. This study was performed in 2009, 2010 and 2011 at one of the CAAS North-East Research Stations. The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design based on a randomised complete block design with three replicates; treatments included planting densities of 37, 500, 52, 500, 67, 500 and 82, 500 plants per hectare (pl ha-1) and 10 varieties were used as sub-treatments. We examined RUE values in different types (spreading leaf, intermediate type, upright leaf) and varieties and identified reasonable densities for different types in relation to the light distribution in North-Eastern China to achieve the highest RUE. All treatments showed significant effects of interception, RUE and density. Ideal planting density differed among types in combination with local light resources. In conclusion, the best densities for spreading-leaf, intermediate and upright-leaf types were 33, 381-41, 736 pl ha-1, 44, 629-56, 584 pl ha-1 and 62, 573-82, 969 pl ha-1, respectively, in North-Eastern China. Maximum grain yield should be realised when maize is grown at the optimum plant density for dry matter yield.