Objective: The adsorption performance and mechanism of Xanthoceras sorbifolia shell biochar activated by phosphoric acid for methylene blue was investigated in this study. Methods: With phosphoric acid as activator, the Box-Behnken center combination design was used to optimize the preparation conditions of biochar from Xanthoceras sorbifolia shell. The biochar obtained under the optimal preparation conditions was used to adsorb methylene blue in water. Through investigating the adsorption influencing factors, the adsorption characteristics of biochar on methylene blue were determined, and combined with the analysis of kinetic, the adsorption mechanism was discussed. Results: The optimum technological conditions for preparing biochar from Xanthoceras sorbifolia pericarp by phosphoric acid activation were as follows: impregnation ratio （m_{Pericarp powder}∶m_{Phosphoric acid solution}） 1∶21, pyrolysis temperature 530 ℃ and pyrolysis time 75 min. The optimal conditions for adsorption of methylene blue in water by sorbent biochar from Xanthoceras sorbifolia shell are as follows: initial pH of solution 12.6, dosage of biochar 1.0 g/L, initial mass concentration of methylene blue 200 mg/L, and adsorption equilibrium time 120 min. The adsorption of Xanthoceras sorbifolia shell biochar on methylene blue in water obeys the quasi second order reaction kinetics. The adsorption process consists of three stages: liquid film diffusion control, pore diffusion control and adsorption desorption equilibrium. Conclusion: Phosphoric acid activation can significantly increase the specific surface area and pore volume of sorbent biochar from Xanthoceras sorbifolia sheell, thereby significantly improving its adsorption capacity for methylene blue.