The effect of preparation method on MnO (x) -CeO2 mixed oxide catalysts for methane combustion at low temperature was investigated by means of BET, XRD, XPS, H-2-TPR techniques and methane oxidation reaction. The catalysts were prepared by the conventional coprecipitation, plasma and modified coprecipitation methods, respectively. It was found that the catalyst prepared by modified coprecipitation was the most active, over which methane conversion reached 90% at a temperature as low as 390 degrees C. The XRD results showed the preparation methods had no effect on the solid solution structure of MnO (x) -CeO2 catalysts. More Mn4+ and richer lattice oxygen were found on the surface of the modified coprecipitation prepared catalyst with the help of XPS analysis, and its reduction and BET surface area were remarkably promoted. These factors could be responsible for its higher activity for methane combustion at low temperature.