Objective To compare different methods for developing rat model of the syndrome of cold fluid retention in lung ( CFRL) , so as to find an easier and more reliable modeling method for CFRL. Methods Twenty rats were divided into 4 groups, namely normal group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, tobacco group, and cold bath group, 5 rats in each group. Lipopolysaccharide group was given intratracheal drip of LPS, tobacco smoking and cold bath, tobacco group was given tobacco smoking and cold bath, and cold bath group was given cold bath and intragastric gavage of cold water. The modeling time in the three groups lasted for 15 days. After the experiment, we compared the general health state, body weight, sputum volume and pathological changes in rats of the four groups. Results (1) Compared with the normal group, activities of rats in the three modeling groups were lowered, body temperature decreased, and the signs of panting, cyanotic nose and lips with excretion, and sneezing (cough) were obvious. (2) Compared with the normal group, the decrease of body weight was obvious (P<0.01), expelling sputum volume was increased (P<0.05) in the model groups. However, the differences among the three model groups had no statistical differences ( P>0.05). ( 3) The results of lung tissue slice examination showed that the injury of lung tissue was severe in LPS group, mild in tobacco group and slight in cold bath group. Conclusion Rat model of CFRL has been established successfully in all of the three modeling groups, and in consideration with all respects, the method for tobacco group is the best.