Abstract: The preparation of activated carbon from sawdust of Pinus massoniana was studied with microwaveassisted chemical activation using potassium carbonate as activator. The effects of impregnating time, ratio of potassium carbonate to pine sawdust, microwave irradiation time and microwave power on the properties of activated carbons were explored, and both the adsorption isotherm and special surface area of activated carbon were characterized by taking absorptive value of methylene blue and the yield of activated carbon as indicators.