Abstract: A novel C₈ aromatics isomerization catalyst was prepared using a special structured zeolite as the acid component，its catalytic activity and selectivity for xylene isomerization was studied. A commercial catalyst used currently was selected as a contrast catalyst for the evaluation under each preferable reaction conditions respectively. With different stuff，the PX value in the xylene products obtained over the novel catalyst was 19.06%－24.14%，the ethylbenzene conversion was 32.07%－41.50%，the C₈ hydrocarbon yield was 97.08%－99.11%. These results were all substantially higher than those obtained over the contrast catalyst. Meanwhile，the toluene value of the novel catalyst was 0.26%－1.20%，C₉ or heavier aromatics value was 0.22%－0.62%，they were both much lower than those of the contrast catalyst. Thus，the prepared novel catalyst has better catalytic activity and selectivity for C₈ aromatics isomerization，and it can be operated under higher WHSV (weight hourly space velocity).