Abstract: Genus Atractylodes (Fam. Compositae) is the main source of two important Chinese traditional drugs, “Baizhu”and “Cangzhu”, both being long used as a stomachic. After a general survey and taxonomical study, it has been found that “Baizhu” was only derived from A. macrocephala Koidz. (A. ovata auct. Fl. Orient. Asiat. non A. P. DC.), while “Cangzhu” were mainly from A. lancea (Thunb.) DC. and A. lancea DC. var. chinensis Kitam. Comparison of the components in the rhizomes of Chinese Atractylodes has been made by TLC and GLC. The results have shown to be in accordance with their morphological features and pharmaceutical merits. “Baizhu”, A. macrocephala, with its leave pinnately incised, is characterized by the presence of rich atractylon and absence or lack of atractylodin. As for “Cangzhu”, A. lancea and A. lancea var. chinensis with their leave not incised or only lobed, are characterized by high contents of atractylodin, β-eudesmol and hinesol, but poor in atractylon. The above conclusion may be of value to both the classification and utilization of this group of Chinese medicinal plants.