Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a major air pollutant, especially in developing countries. Many trees are seriously impaired by SO₂, while other species can mitigate air pollution by absorbing this gas. Planting appropriate tree species near industrial complexes is critical for aesthetic value and pollution mitigation. In this study, six landscape tree species typical of a subtropical area were investigated for their tolerance of SO₂: Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl., Ilex rotunda Thunb., Lysidice rhodostegia Hance, Ceiba insignis (Kunth) P. E. Gibbs & Semir, Cassia surattensis Burm. f., and Michelia chapensis Dandy. We measured net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, leaf sulfur content, relative water content, relative proline content, and other parameters under 1.31 mg·m^-3 SO₂ fumigation for eight days. The results revealed that the six species differed in their biochemical characteristics under SO₂ stress. Based on these data, the most appropriate species for planting in SO₂ polluted areas was I. rotunda, because it grew normally under SO₂ stress and could absorb SO₂.