The invention relates to the field of medicinal chemistry, and discloses a two-step method for preparing norathyriol. The method comprises steps that: 2-bromine-4,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid is added to 1,2-dichloroethane; thionyl chloride is added to the mixture, and the mixture is heated and refluxed for 1 hour; zinc chloride and 3,5-dimethyoxy phenyl hydroxide are added to the mixture, the mixtureis stirred, and are heated for 2 to 4 hours under a temperature of 40 to 80 DEG C; the 1,2-dichloroethane solvent is removed through reduced-pressure distillation; 10% to 30% of a sodium hydroxide solution by mass is added to the mixture, and the mixture is heated and refluxed for 2 to 3 hours, such that 1,3,6,7-xanthone tetramethoxide is produced; 1,3,6,7- xanthone tetramethoxide is added to an ethylene glycol solvent, and hydrochloric acid is added to the mixture; the mixture is heated and refluxed for 3 to 5 hours, such that norathyriol is obtained. Compared to prior arts, the preparation method provided by the invention has advantages of short synthetic route, less step, simple operation, and high yield. The raw materials adopted in the method are cheap and easy to obtain. The processes are safe, and bring low toxicity. The method is environment friendly, and is suitable for industrialized productions. The method provides high economical and practical values.