The maturity of the subject of tourism relies on scientific research methodology. The methodology of tourism research has already aroused the interests of researchers in both China and overseas. Based on analysis of 465 articles published in Tourism Tribune bimonthly from 1999 to 2003，qualitative research is the major method applied to tourism research in China；it is still in the stage of traditional qualitative research. The source of tourism research is mainly from published theses，books and official statistics. Data sources are different for different research methods. The content of research and geographical location of authors have impact on the choice of research method. The organizations in which authors work have minor impact on the choice of research method.