Abstract: In order to achieve rapid, real-time and on-site detection and screening of cadmium (Cd²⁺) in tobacco samples, a fast method was developed using test paper strips. The test paper was prepared by taking ordinary filter paper as a carrier, and cadmium reagents with special chromogenic reactions were absorbed by the filter paper via immersing. Appropriate chromogenic reagents for preparing the cadmium test paper were selected through observing the color changes of the test paper, and the standard color scale was determined by reacting the prepared cadmium test paper with standard cadmium solutions at different concentrations. The results showed that:1) When the concentration of cadmium standard solution was in the range of 0-10.0 μg/mL, the color of the cadmium test paper was deepened progressively with the increase of cadmium ion concentration. 2) The minimum detection concentration of cadmium ion was 0.5 μg/mL. 3) With the advantages of simple operation, low cost and rapid detection, this method was suitable for the rapid screening of cadmium content in tobacco leaf.