Embodiments of the present invention provide a capacity station activation method and system. The method includes: A coverage station sends activation control information to a capacity station, where the activation control information is used to enable the capacity station to send a pilot signal to a user in a power increasing manner; receives a measurement result of measuring the pilot signal by the user; determines, according to the measurement result, a capacity station that needs to be activated to meet a system requirement; and sends activation information to a determined capacity station that needs to be activated to activate the capacity station. With the capacity station activation method and system in the embodiments of the present invention, a capacity station that needs to be activated can be determined more accurately, and furthermore, transmit power of an activated capacity station can be controlled, thereby reducing energy consumption of a whole system.