Abstract: In order to provide the basis to the study on the water and methane adsorption of lignite and the water and methane flowability of lignite,the tests of the coal and rock composition,proximate analysis and lignite physical features were conducted on 13 coal samples from main lignite production places in China.The results showed that the total moisture,air dry base moisture and volatile matter content of the lignite would be reduced with the metamorphic degree increased.When Ro,max W as over 0.35%,the porosity of the lignite would be reduced with metamorphic degree increased.When Ro,max was less than 0.35%,the porosity of the lignite would be in creased with metamorphic degree increased.The pore volume and specific surface area of each coal sample would be high in difference.The pore volume distribution of the large pore,medium pore ,transition pore and micro pore would be homogeneous and the specific surface area was concentrated and distributed in the transition pore and the micro pore.The average methane saturated adsorption of lignite was 6.27 m3/t.The study achievements would have the guidance role to the sub-bituminous coa I grading in the lignite,the upgrading and utilization of the lignite and the development of coal bed methane resources in lignite.