To evaluate the effect of carbonization conditions on the bamboo, the relationship between carbonization parameter and physicochemical characteristics was studied. The results indicated that the volatile matter drastically decreased with the increase of carbonization temperature, while the fixed carbon and fuel ratio (fixed carbon/volatile matter) increased. Excellent linearity between the fuel ratio and carbonization temperature was obtained. The energy yield decreased gradually when rising the carbonization temperature, whereas the change of heating value was not obvious. A new calculation model of higher heating value (HHV) was developed, and it could be used to predict HHV of the bamboo char more precisely at temperatures above 300°C. The positive impact of functional groups, specific surface area as well as catalysis of alkali metal may contribute to the combustion of bamboo char. The results showed that there is a feasible operating condition for the transformation of bamboo into char with the carbonization parameter at 400°C for 30 min.