Sn-Nb2O5/alpha-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by impregnation and tested for ethylene oxide (EO) hydration to form ethylene glycol. The effect of the calcination temperature on the structure, acidity, H2O and EO adsorption properties and catalytic performance of the catalyst were investigated by using XRD, TG-DTA, IR, NH3-TPD and EO-TPD. It was found that the phase compositions, acidity, the EO adsorption strength and water adsorption capacity of the Sn-Nb2O5/alpha-Al2O3 catalyst were markedly influenced by the calcination temperature. The catalyst calcined at a temperature between 350 and 400 degrees C showed the best catalytic performance. A correlation between catalytic performance and characterization was proposed.