Coupon test specimens with the gauge length part of Q460D high-strength steel or ER55-G weld respectively were heated up to high temperature of 900 °C and then cooled in water. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on those cooled specimens. The engineering stress-engineering strain curves were obtained. Meanwhile, twelve smooth round bar specimens made of Q460D high-strength steel and ER55-G welds were heated up to high temperature of 900 °C and then cooled naturally or cooled in water. Cyclic loading tests with two different loading protocols, namely constant amplitude and variable amplitude, were conducted on these specimens at different strain levels. The engineering stress-engineering strain curves of each specimen were obtained, enabling to compare and analyze the differences of the results in cyclic mechanical properties of each specimen in terms of damage morphology, hysteresis performance, and ductility characteristics. The test results show that the different cooling methods after the high temperature of 900 °C have a significant impact on the ultimate strength and elongation of Q460D high-strength steel and ER55-G welds. The ultimate strength of the specimens after water cooling was significantly higher than that of the specimens after natural cooling, while the elongation result was opposite. It was obvious from the test results that water cooling and natural cooling after high temperature led to a decrease in ductility and energy absorption capacity of the base metal and welds to various degrees, while their energy dissipation capacity was significantly improved at low strain level. •Coupon tests were conducted on specimens after high temperature and water cooling.•Mechanical properties of Q460D steel after 900 °C and water cooling were obtained.•Cyclic tests were conducted on smooth round bars after high temperature and cooling.•Cyclic engineering stress-engineering strain curves of Q460D steel were obtained.•Cyclic mechanical properties of specimens after high temperature were analyzed.