The invention discloses a catalyst for preparing 1,6-hexanediol by reduction of adipic acid, which comprises an active component, a transition metal, phosphorus and a carrier, the active component is Ru, and the transition metal is Co, Cu , at least one of Ni, Fe, Mo and Zn, and the carrier is a porous structure material, such as diatomaceous earth, activated carbon, etc. First configure a mixed solution containing soluble salts and phosphorus salts of any of the above transition metals, and pass inert gas into the solution to form a gas-liquid interface with inert gas bubbles as a template; then slowly add a certain concentration of NaBH 4 solution, and then quickly add catalyst active components; add the reacted mixed solution to the carrier, react for a period of time, wash with water until neutral, filter, and dry to obtain an amorphous catalyst. The catalyst has low cost, the conversion rate of adipic acid is as high as 90%, and the yield of 1,6-hexanediol can reach 65%, which has achieved good technical effects and has good industrialization prospects.