The effects Of CeO2 and CaO composite promoters on the properties of eggshell Ni/MgO-Al2O3 catalysts of 1.5 mm diameter for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas were investigated. The addition of 1 wt.% promoters could enhance the catalytic performance of the Ni/MgO-Al2O3 catalyst, while further increasing the promoter content to 4wt.% results in the decrease of reactivity. The catalytic property is related to the oxidizability of surface nickel species.