The combustion and NO emission characteristics of Shenmu coal and char were investigated with a thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) system and on a pilot platform of a 2 MW circulating fluidized bed (CFB), respectively. Unlike Shenmu coal, the disadvantages of Shenmu char combustion include late ignition, poor combustion stability, and poor burnout. Despite its well-developed pore structure, there is less volatile content and more carbon crystal for Shenmu char, resulting in lower combustion reactivity compared to Shenmu coal. The,combustion of Shenmu char has a higher dependence upon the combustion temperature, and it improves when the combustion temperature exceeds 900 degrees C. NO emission from the combustion of Shenmu char decreases with an increase in the combustion temperature, which is in contrast with the combustion of Shenmu coal. However, with an increase in the excess air ratio and a decrease in the secondary air ratio and the height of the secondary air port, NO emission from the combustion of both Shenmu char and coal increases.