Abstract: This study employs a three-dimensional cold cloud seeding model integrated with the Weather Research and Forecasting mesoscale numerical model to investigate the potential and effects of artificial precipitation enhancement in stratiform cloud systems across China’s arid and semi-arid regions. New seeding criteria were developed to categorize seeding potential into three levels: level 1 (weak), level 2 (medium), and level 3 (strong). Through extensive numerical simulation experiments, the optimal seeding conditions for areas with level 3 potential were quantitatively determined, characterized by precipitation intensity ranging from 0.1 to 20 mm h⁻¹, vertical velocity exceeding 0.01 m s⁻¹, temperature between −12°C and −5°C, and cloud water content greater than 0.2 g kg⁻¹. The research reveals that supercooled water is predominantly distributed within the −12°C to 0°C temperature range, with the −12°C to −5°C interval identified as the optimal seeding temperature window due to the high stability of stratiform cloud systems in this regime. The moderate supercooled water content coupled with weak vertical disturbances creates an ideal environment for ice crystal growth through desublimation. Numerical simulations demonstrate that summer stratiform cloud seeding alters the spatial distribution of hydrometeors while inducing responses in both the thermal and dynamic fields over the seeded region. In contrast, winter stratiform cloud seeding for snowfall exerts weaker effects on cloud microphysical processes and the dynamic field. However, even under weak natural precipitation conditions, distinct linear seeding signatures can still be identified. Prior to precipitation enhancement operations, key macro- and microphysical characteristics of the target cloud systems can be obtained through model forecasting. By applying the seeding criteria established in this study, the optimal seeding locations and timing can be determined, enabling the formulation of effective operational strategies and providing valuable scientific guidance for precipitation enhancement operations.