In order to investigate the feasibility of using geosynthetic clay liner(GCL)for channel liner systems in cold and salty soil regions, several tests were conducted, including a hydration test, drying-wetting cycle test, freeze-thaw cycle test, and self-healing test. The swelling and permeability characteristics of GCL were studied, and the factors influencing the permeability coefficients of GCL were analyzed. The results show that the hydration solution greatly affects the permeability of the material: the higher the ion concentration is, the greater the permeability coefficient is; and the material cannot be used in construction without hydration. After drying-wetting cycles, the permeability coefficient of the material changes a little, owing to its high self-healing capability. The permeability coefficient gradually decreases with the increase of the number of freeze-thaw cycles, indicating that the material can maintain high impermeability under cold conditions. The bentonites compressibility and permeability coefficient are positively correlated; the degree of deformation decreases with the increasing number of freeze-thaw cycles, meaning that the ability of resistance to deformation of the material increases. GCL can be used in channel liner in cold regions, in the northern China.