The invention provides a low-temperature quick starting system and method for a fuel cell stack, and the system comprises a special low-temperature starting small circulation system which is composedof a low-temperature starting water tank, a low-temperature starting water pump, four valves and a heat exchange device, wherein the heat exchange device is connected between an outlet and an inlet ofa fuel cell stack cooling cavity in series. The starting method comprises the following steps: opening a valve I and a valve III, closing a valve II and a valve IV, starting a fuel cell, and activating and purging an electric pile; after completion, closing the valve I and the valve III, opening the valve II and the valve IV, starting the low-temperature starting water pump, starting the low-temperature starting special small circulation system, and entering low-temperature starting; after success, opening the valve I and the valve III, closing the valve II and the valve IV, stopping the low-temperature starting water pump, and performing the normal operation of the electric pile. The invention has the beneficial effects that the starting method is simple, practical and effective, the low-temperature starting time is shortened, the power output of low-temperature starting is improved, no external heating unit or extra energy consumption exists, and no damage is caused to the electricpile.