Applying with Mann-Kendall statistical method and IDW interpolation method, the precipitation trends in 1990s in the Yangtze River catchment were analysed based on the monthly and daily precipitation data provided by National Meteorology Administration of China. The results show:(1) The precipitation trends in the Yangtze River catchment are characterized by concentration on temporal and spatial distribution. Precipitation increases in January (winter) and in June (summer) contribute most to yearly precipitation increment; days with rainstorm and magnitude of rainstorm are increased evidently in 1990s compared with time period 1951-1990; the yearly, summer and winter precipitation trends are positive in most part of the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River, especially in Poyang Lake basin and Dongting Lake basin. (2) Precipitation decreases in May and in September contribute most to spring precipitation decrement and autumn precipitation decrement, except for regions in Jinshajiang River basin and Dongting Lake basin; the precipitation in spring and autumn in the whole catchment shows negative trends in 1990s approximately.