Abstract: OBJECTIVE To provide strategies for quality improvement of cultured Cordyceps sinensis powder by detailed analysis on its HPLC fingerprint. METHODS Using LC-MS on cultured Cordyceps sinensis powder(Bailing capsule), six major chromatographic peaks in the fingerprint were identified. A similarity measurement based on Chinese traditional medicine fingerprinting system was used to compare similarities between cultured cordyceps and natural cordyceps, as well as the effect of drying methods on fingerprint profiles. RESULTS The 6 major peaks in the fingerprint of Bailing capsule had been identified as:uridine-5-monophosphate, guanylic acid, adenosine-5'-monophosphoric acid, uridine, guanosine and adenosine. The fingerprint of cultured Cordyceps sinensis powder differs from that of the natural cordyceps, while Bailing capsule had been shown to be most similar to natural cordyceps. The drying method also had a significant effect on the fingerprint. The product prepared by boil drying method produced the most similar fingerprint profile to the sun dried natural cordyceps. CONCLUSION The fingerprinting can accurately reflect the quality of cultured Cordyceps sinensis powder and the effectiveness of quality control.