Abstract: The distribution of residual welding stress on the inner and outer surface of pipelines was quantitatively measured by X-ray diffraction. The results show that the axial welding residual stress on the outer surface presents a compressive stress distribution in the weld zone, and then the compressive stress gradually decreases into a tensile stress distribution, and the stress peak reaches in the heat affected zone near the base metal zone. In the weld seam and the heat affected zone, the residual welding stress on the outer surface shows tensile stress distribution, and reaches the peak stress in the heat affected zone. The axial and circumferential welding residual stress on the inner surface presents tensile stress distribution in the weld seam and the heat affected zone, and reaches the peak stress in the heat affected zone. At the same time, the finite element method is used to simulate the residual stress distribution of pipeline welding. The accuracy and reliability of the finite element simulation results are verified by the comparison and analysis between the experimental test results and the numerical simulation results.