Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in obstructive jaundice. Methods Forty eight consecutive patients with obstructive jaundice were examined by MRCP, all results were testified during and /or after operation. Results Different causes of obstruction had their own characteristic manifestations. Level of obstruction was accurate in 100%, the accuracy in distinguishing obstructive causes was 93.8%. Conclusion MRCP is quite effective, safe and reliable in diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.