[Objective] This study aimed to improve comprehensive utilization value of glutinous rice straw and to develop new raw material for preparation of activated carbon. [Method] Using potassium hydroxide as activator and glutinous rice straw as raw material, activated carbon was prepared. [Result] The optimum technological conditions for preparation of activated carbon from glutinous rice straw were as fol- lows: activator concentration of 2 mol/L, activation time of 60 min, activation tem- perature of 600 ℃ and carbonization temperature of 450℃. The adsorption values of methylene blue and iodine by activated carbon prepared from glutinous rico straw were 10.21 ml/0.1 g and 920.74 mg/g respectively under the optimal conditions. The quality of the prepared activated carbon met the grade two of water quality purifica- tion-using activated carbon quality standard. [Conclusion] This study will provide certain references for comprehensive utilization of glutinous rice straw and preparation of high-performance activated carbon.