A series of NiO/Al2O3 catalysts promoted by different La2O3 contents were prepared by impregnation method. The physicochemical properties of NiO-La2O3/Al2O3 were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), H2 temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and H2 chemisorption. The effect of La2O3 on the activity of NiO/Al2O3 for CO methanation was investigated in a fixed bed reactor. A lifetime test, as well as thermogravimetric (TG)analysis, was performed to investigate the stability performance and anti-carbon deposition of catalysts. The results showed that the addition of La2O3 can restrain the growth of NiO particles, increase the H2 uptake and Ni dispersion, and therefore enhance the activity of catalysts. When the La2O3 content was 3 wt%, a CO conversion of 98% and a selectivity to CH4 of 96% were obtained at 400 oC. Furthermore, the catalyst NiO-La2O3/Al2O3 with 3 wt% La2O3 content displayed highly stable performance in long-term tests, especially exhibiting good anti-carbon deposition property.