A series of novel hyper-cross-linked resins were prepared from macroporous cross-linked chloromethylated polystyrene-co-divinylbenzene (PS) by adding a different quantity of acetanilide in the Friedel-Crafts reaction. The results indicated that the synthesized resin l. possessed predominant mesopores (2-5 nm) and medium-values specific surface area with a few acetanilide groups on the surface. Among these resins, HJ-W02 had the largest adsorption capacity toward salicylic acid and hence selected as the model resin for adsorptive removal of salicylic acid from aqueous solution. The kinetic and isotherm data could be well-fitted by pseudo-second-order rate equation and Freundlich model, respectively. Increase of the solution pH had a negative effect while Cd2+ posed a positive effect on the adsorption. Hydrogen bonding between the carbonyl groups of HJ-W02 and carboxyl (hydroxyl) groups of salicylic acid played an important role. The breakthrough point of HJ-W02 toward salicylic acid was 122.5 BV and 5% of sodium hydroxide aqueous solution regenerated it completely.