The invention discloses a novel method for synthesizing epirubicin hydrochloride (compound 1) from adriamycin. Epirubicin is directly obtained by selective oxidation and reduction. Compared with the existing method, the novel method has the advantages that the reaction route is more concise, the synthesis efficiency is improved, raw materials for reaction are easily obtained, conditions are mild, the energy consumption and the cost are reduced, and the total yield reaches 68 percent.