[Objectives]  To investigate the mechanism underlying the resistance of rice to Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), identify resistant rice varieties and provide a theoretical basis for the breeding and propagation of rice varieties resistant to N. lugens. [Methods]  The resistance levels of nine rice varieties to N. lugens were evaluated with the Standard Seedbox Screening Technique. Secondary substances in rice leaves with different levels of resistance, including flavonoids, total phenols and oxalic acid, were detected and chemical constituents of rice leaves analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). [Results]  Yuehui 9113 (Bph15) was highly resistant with a resistance score (AS) of less than 60%, whereas Yuehui 9113 (Bph14), R715, Yuehui 9113 (Bph14 + Bph15) and Shuhui 527 (Bph6) were moderately resistant, with resistance scores ranging from 61% to 80%. TN1, F638, F669, F660 were susceptible to N. lugens, with resistance scores greater than 80%. The flavonoid and total phenol content of Yuehui 9113 were 10.13 g/mL and 74.63 g/mL, respectively, and the oxalic acid content (24.35 g/mL) was higher than the sensitive strain TN1 (15.93 g/mL). The contents of 3-Nonanol,1,2,6,7-diepoxy- 3,7-dimethyl-,acetate, Benzaldehyde, 2,4-dimethyl-, 2-Methoxy-4- vinylphenol, 2-Oxopentanedioic acid and Phenol, 2-propyl- in the high resistant strain of Yuehui 9113 were higher than in the two sensitive strains R715 and TN1. [Conclusion]  The flavonoid, total phenol and oxalic acid content of rice varieties were positively correlated with resistance to N. lugens. In addition, 3-Nonanol, 1,2,6,7-diepoxy-3,7-dimethyl-, acetate, Benzaldehyde, 2,4-dimethyl- and 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol content may also be correlated with resistance to this pest.