OBJECTIVE：To optimize the primary processing technology of Gentiana rigesce ns. METHODS ：HPLC method was adopted for content determination of loganic acid ，swertiamarin and gentiopicroside in G. rigescens ，and overall desirability value （OD value ） of the contents of above 3 components was taken as index to carry out single factor test on blanching temperature，blanching time and drying temperature. Based on that ，Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology was used to optimize primary processing technology of G. rigescens . Validation test was also performed. The samples prepared by optimized technology were compared with those dried in the shade. RESULTS ：The optimal primary processing technology of G. rigescens included blanching time of 5 min，blanching temperature of 40 ℃ and drying temperature of 60 ℃. Validation test showed that the average OD value of the 3 components was 0.565 2，with a deviation of 0.94％ from the predicted value （0.570 6）. Compared with samples dried in the shade ，OD value of 3 components in samples prepared by optimized technology were increased significantly ， indicating the quality of the samples prepared by the optimized technology was better. CONCLUSIONS ：The optimal technology is stable and feasible ，and can be used for the primary processing of G. rigescens .