The invention relates to a preparation method of a copper-zinc-based hydrogenation catalyst and belongs to the technical field of catalysts. The method comprises steps as follows: a prepared copper and zinc mixed nitrate aqueous solution is mixed with an alkaline precipitant, the pH and the temperature in the process are controlled, and a primary precipitate is obtained; the primary precipitate is washed with an alkaline ion exchanger aqueous solution easy to pyrolyze after being washed with water, and a secondary precipitate containing zinc and copper is obtained; the secondary precipitate is dried and washed with water, and a final precipitate containing copper and zinc is obtained; the final precipitate containing copper and zinc and a carrier are mixed, pulped and subjected to solid-liquid separation in water, a solid material is dried, roasted and finally formed, and the copper-zinc-based hydrogenation catalyst is obtained finally.