Xiaoqinglong decoction,first recorded by Zhang Zhongjing in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classic text Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases),has eight herbal components including Herb Ephedrae (Mahuang),Radix Paeoniae Alba (Shaoyao),Radix Asari (Xixin),Rhizoma Zingiberis (Ganjiang),Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Gancao),Ramulus Cinnamomi (Cuizhi),Rhizoma Pinelliae (Banxia) and Fructus Schisandrae (Wuweizi).Fingerprints of HPLC for single herb and herb-pair including Mahuang-Gancao,Mahuang-Guizhi,Shaoyao-Guizhi,Shaoyao-Gancao,Wuweizi-Xixin were analyzed.Based on the HPLC of single herb and herbal pair,we discussed the character of the Xiaoqinglong decoction and explored the scientific connotation of the compatibility of medicines in prescription.