Abstract: A copper based catalyst has been used to synthesize of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, which is an important intermediate in the production of modified polyester, by the hydrogenation of dimethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate under low pressure. The influences of temperature and pressure on the reactivity were discussed. The life test of the catalyst has been carried out for 200h. The result showed that the conversion of 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate and selectivity to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol were higher than 95% and 98% respectively at 200 ℃, 3.0 Mpa. XRD spectra showed that copper is main active center of the catalyst.