In order to investigate the relationships among the sudden variation positions of vertical distributions of turbulent statistical parameters, the zero-plane displacement, and the penetration height, laboratory flume experiments with submerged rigid vegetation were carried out. Aluminum cylinders were used to simulate rigid vegetation and laser Doppler velocimetry(LDV)was utilized to measure the flow fields. The characteristic heights, determined by longitudinal velocity, Reynolds stress, local drag coefficient distribution, respectively, and the penetration height are discussed to compare their relative positions and analyze the effects of vegetation density and submergence on them. Experimental results show that, under high-density conditions, velocity along the vertical direction nearly remains constant, the gradient of Reynolds stress is low near the bed, and the sudden increase positions of the gradients of velocity and Reynolds stress distribution can be easily determined because distinct variations of their distribution patterns exist at certain heights. The influence of submergence on these characteristic heights is not obvious. Compared with other characteristic heights, the one determined by Reynolds stress is most approximate to the penetration height. Moreover, penetration height increases with the increase of vegetation density and submergence. Penetration height has a linear relationship with the zero-plane displacement.