Disclosed are a semiconductor photocatalyst for the photocatalytic reforming of biomass derivatives for hydrogen generation, and preparation and use thereof. The semiconductor photocatalyst has the atomic composition ratio of M˜N-Ax; wherein M˜N are IIB group elements to VIA group elements, or IIIA group elements to VA group elements, A being one element or more than two elements selected from the group consisting of cobalt, nickel, iron, copper, chromium, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium and silver; and 0.02%≦x≦1.0%. The method of in-situ preparation of the highly effective semiconductor photocatalyst and catalytically reforming biomass derivatives for hydrogen generation by driving photoreaction with visible light via quantum dots is simple, fast, highly effective, inexpensive and practical. The in situ reaction can occur in sunlight without the need of harsh conditions such as calcination.