The invention relates to the fields of catalytic material and heterogeneous catalysis. A high performance alpha-pinene isomerization catalyst is prepared by using a commercial Beta molecular sieve as a raw material and carrying out a post treatment modification on the Beta molecular sieve through an alkali treatment. Specific preparation conditions comprise: employing sodium hydroxide solution to carry out an alkali treatment on the Beta molecular sieve; filtering; washing; drying at 110 DEG C; and roasting at 550 DEG C. The catalyst preparation method of the invention is simply operated and has mild reaction conditions on alpha-pinene isomerization; main products of camphene, alpha-terpinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene and terpinolene have high selectivity; the catalyst has no pollution to equipment and environment; and the catalytic process is environment friendly.