The invention provides a preparation method of LDHs (magnesium-based layered double hydroxides). According to the method, calcium oxides or calcium magnesium oxides are used as an alkali source, calcium oxides or calcium magnesium oxides and a magnesium salt are subjected to a precipitation reaction, magnesium hydroxide precipitates are produced, then the magnesium hydroxide precipitates and divalent and trivalent soluble metal nitrates or chlorides are used as raw materials, LDHs are prepared through a liquid-solid phase reaction, and byproducts, namely, magnesium chlorides or magnesium nitrates, can be used as raw materials. The method has the advantages that the raw materials are rich in source, the price is low, the preparation process is simple, reaction conditions are mild, industrial production is facilitated and the like, and prepared LDHs can be widely applied to fields of catalysis, adsorption, environmental protection, high-polymer plastic and the like.