Scanning differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) technique combined with meteorological tower was used for monitoring vertical profiles of SO2, NO2, O3, HCHO and HONO along three light paths in Beijing City during July 28, 2009 to August 13, 2009. As a result, the time series of concentrations and vertical gradient of HCHO as well as other gases were acquired. By analyzing the vertical distribution frequency characteristics of HCHO, data of other gases and meteorological data, it was concluded that the main source of HCHO is vehicles emissions around the measurement site. The photochemical reaction as the secondary source accounts for a significant proportion of the source of HCHO at certain times of day (around noon, for a few hours).