[Objective] We optimized carbon source for xylanase production by anaerobically halophilic alkaliphilic bacterium Alkalitalea saponilacus and characterized the enzyme.[Methods] Xylanase activity was determined by 2-nitro salicylic acid (DNS) method. The conditions for the extraction of crude xylanase were optimized and the enzyme was characterized.[Results] Xylanase activity by fermentation using 0.4% (W/V) sucrose+0.1% (W/V) birch xylan as carbon source was 3.2 folds higher than that with single substrate of birch xylan or sucrose. The maximal xylanase activity reached 590 IU/mg under the conditions of salinity between 2% and 6%, pH 7.0 and 55℃. Enzyme activity was significantly inhibited with Cu2+, Fe3+and Ni2+.[Conclusion] Xylanase produced by A. saponilacus can have potential for industrial production.