Objective To study the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of 316L stainless steel in alkaline sulphide solution, and to provide reference for its applicability in alkaline environment. Methods Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectrums (EIS), slow strain rate test(SSRT), U type bending immersion test and superficial analysis technique using scanning electron microscope (SEM) were applied. Results 316L stainless steel had relatively low SCC susceptibility in alkaline sulphide solution, and the main corrosion mechanism was anodic dissolution (AD). The SCC susceptibility decreased with the increase of pH value. Conclusion Although 316L stainless steel showed features of stress corrosion in alkaline NaCl/ Na2S solution, the SCC sensitivity was low, so it was suitable for the simulated alkaline solution in the experiment.