The invention relates to the technical field of straddle type monorail transit tracks, in particular to a pivot type turnout structure and a turnout switching method. The pivot type turnout structure comprises a turnout girder, a supporting assembly, a driving device and a locking device. The tail end of the turnout girder is connected with a foundation slab through a rotating assembly in a single-surface rotation mode, the driving device is connected to the middle of the turnout girder and used for releasing force driving the turnout girder to achieve single-surface rotation, and the locking device is arranged at the head end of the turnout girder and used for locking the turnout girder and a track beam. The supporting assembly is located below the turnout girder, the upper portion of the supporting assembly is fixedly connected with the turnout girder, and a rolling wheel is arranged on the lower portion of the supporting assembly. The turnout girder can be driven integrally, rotates conveniently and is simple in structure.