Abstract: Rare earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, etc.) are the important component in many catalysts and can be used as the catalyst support, promoter or react with other element to produce solid solution. The related applications of rare earth elements to producing synthesis gas from the partial oxidation of methane are introduced. The application of rare earth elements which are used as support, promoter, solid solution, etc. to catalyzing partial oxidation of methane to produce synthesis gas is analyzed emphatically. Finally, the research direction of rare earth elements in CPOM is put forward.