The aim of the study was to build UV spectrum of Ganoderma lingzhi and 11 kinds of counterfeits,compare the differences of UV spectra between samples and distinguish G-lingzhi and its counterfeits by UV spectroscopy combined with chemometrics.The results showed that the UV spectra,which ranged from 220 nm to 255 nm,of G-capense,Amauroderma niger,G-kunmingense,G-dahlia,A-rugosum and G-ramosissimum were different from G-lingzhi’s spectrum.The UV spectra of G-applanatum,G-philippii,G-subtornatum and G-lucidum were very different from G-lingzhi.Similar analysis showed that the UV spectra of G-capense,A-niger,G-dahlia and A.rugosum had the highest Pearson correlation coefficients(rr).The coefficients were 0.949,0.961,0.948 and 0.919,respectively.However,G-philippii and G-subtornatum had the lowest Pearson correlation coefficients.The coefficients were 0.657 and 0.299,respectively.UV spectral data of 13 batches of samples were processed and subjected to principal component analysis(PCA).The result showed that SG+SNV was the best mathematical pretreatment.PCA showed that the first principal component contribution rate was 54.24%.The second principal component contribution rate was 36.45%.Total contribution rate was 90.69%.According to the results of PCA,all the samples could be divided into seven groups.G-lingzhi and its counterfeits were distinguished successfully.All the results could help to discriminate G-lingzhi and its counterfeits，and provide a theory evidence for safety usage and quality control of G-lingzhi.