OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily establish the quality standard of Yao medicine Tupistra chinensis. METHODS: The original plant morphology, properties and characteristics microscopic identification were observed; TLC was adopted for the qualitative identification; contents of moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and extract were determined. RESULTS: T. chinensis morphology, properties and characteristics microscopic identification were remarkable; TLC spots were clear and well separated, negative control with interference; the moisture was 6.45%-12.71%, total ash was 2.74%-5.86%, acid-insoluble ash was 0.09%-0.68% and extract was 52.32%-72.98%. CONCLUSIONS: The standard can be used for the preliminary quality control of T. chinensis.