To study the pathological characteristics and regularity of chronic sinusitis (CS) in different clinical types, tc estimate the reliability and feasibility of CS classification on the pathologic basis.HE, Van Gieson's, alcian blue-periodic acid-schiff(AB-PAS) staining was used to observe the changes of epithelium, to measure the thickness of basement membrane and the area of mucous glands. The ultrastructural changes of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium were observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).The epithelial fiber tissue was increased, the basement membrane was thickened, and the mucous glands were obviously increased in CS under the light microscope. Subepithelial fibrosis and thickened basement membrane were most obviously seen in type III of CS and the hyperplasia of mucous glands was most distinct in type II. Under the TEM, abnormal structure of cilia, decrease of ciliated cells, increase of goblet cells were detected in all three CS types. Under the SEM, the cilia of every types showed the ingravescenced process of pathological changes from slight cilium disorder, disorientation, to desquamation of most cilia and replacement of microvilli.There is significant distinction of mucous membrane structure among three types. The Chinese classification of CS has pathological basis, it represents the occurrence, development and regularity of CS, and it can be used as basis in further study, communication and evaluation for surgical effect of CS.