Abstract: To reveal the relationship between leaf appearance and quality of flue-cured tobacco of burnt-sweet and burnt flavor types, correlation, gradual regression and path analyses were carried out on the leaf appearance characteristics, routine chemical components and sensory quality indexes of C2F tobacco samples collected from 5 planting areas (Xuchang, Pingdingshan, Luohe, Nanyang and Zhumadian in Henan). The results showed that:1)The leaf appearance was characterized by white to slightly grey background color, moderate to slight thickness, weak to medium wax texture, relatively soft to brittle-hard strength, moderate to slight color differences between front and back, minor to moderate leaf body differences between tip and base, bright luster, and relatively smooth leaf surface tissue. Additional characteristics included an orange shade to orange color of mature tobacco leaves, relatively loose leaf structure, moderate to slightly thick body, oily, moderate to strong color intensity. Each index was relatively stable and consistent. 2) The appearance characteristics correlated directly with the routine chemical components and sensory quality. Among them, leaves with better flexibility had lower nicotine and total nitrogen contents. Leaves with smaller color differences between the front and back had higher reducing sugar and total sugar contents. A stronger wax texture indicated more significant flavor types and greater flavor concentration. A smaller leaf body difference between the tip and base showed more prominent burnt-sweet and spicy scents. Therefore, these key leaf appearance characteristic indexes indicated the style and quality of tobacco leaves of burnt-sweet and burnt flavor types, especially the wax texture and leaf body difference between the tip and base.