A series Of SnO2-based catalysts modified by Fe, Cr and Mn were prepared by the combination of redox reaction and co-precipitation methods, and applied to catalytic CH4 oxidation. The modified catalysts show generally higher activity than the unmodified SnO2. XRD analysis indicates that Fe, Cr and Mn cations could be incorporated into the lattice of rutile SnO2 (cassiterite) to form solid solution structure. As a result, more reducible and active oxygen species was formed in the samples, as substantiated by the H-2-TPR results. Moreover, the specific surface areas of the modified catalysts are much higher than that of pure SnO2 and their crystallite sizes are smaller, indicating they are more resistant to thermal sintering. Indeed, the high specific surface areas and the formation of more active oxygen species in the modified samples are believed to be the predominant reasons leading to their enhanced CH4 oxidation activity, Eventually, it is noted that SnCrO displays not only remarkable CH4 oxidation activity, but also potent resistance to SO2 and water deactivation, which makes it a promising catalyst with the potential to be applied in some real CH4 oxidation processes.