A hierarchical beta zeolite synthesized by quasi-solid phase conversion method was characterized by BET, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD), Al-27 and Si-29 magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (Al-27 and Si-29 MAS NMR), and its catalytic performance was compared with that of conventional microporous beta zeolite for liquid phase transalkylation of multi-secbutylbenzenes (MSBBs) with benzene. The results indicate that the hierarchical beta zeolite consists of nanosized crystals with a meso/microporous structure and has stronger acid strength than the microporous beta zeolite. The higher conversion of tri-secbutylbenzene (TSBB) and selectivity of sec-butylbenzene (SBB) are achieved on hierarchical beta zeolite than microporous beta zeolite, while the conversion of di-secbutylbenzene (DSBB) is slightly higher. The improvement of catalytic performance over hierarchical beta zeolite can be ascribed to the presence of mesopores, nanosized crystals and stronger acidity. (C) 2014 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.