Three layers of a sediment core collected from Meiliang bay of Taihu Lake in December of 2002, were examined under microscope to identify algae species composition and cultured axenically in MA medium to find the living cells and its vertical distribution in sediment. Many species of algae were found in the surface of the core sample(0-3cm) and three of them (Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz, Cyclotella bodanica Eul, Scenedesmus obliquus(Turp) Kutz) were able to develop in culture 8 them. Less algae species could be found in the layer (10-13cm) of the core sample and only two of them(Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz, Cyclotella bodanica Eul) were developed in culure. Two algae species could be identified in the layer(20-23cm) of the core sample and no algae cell could be developed in culture. It showed that Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz, and Cyclotella bodanica Eul, the dominant phytoplankton populations in summer bloom, could be survive the environment of the sediment in Taihu Lake during the winter period.