Objective To investigate the effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) and histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDCAi) on expression of E-cadherin gene and invasiveness of cholangiocarcinoma cell. Methods According to different treatment, the QBC939 cells were divided into four groups: blank control group, hydralazine group, valproic acid group and hydralazine and valproic acid combined group. After 48 h, the expression of E-cadherin was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), mehtylation specific PCR (MSP) and Western blot, the invasiveness of QBC939 cells was evaluated by Transwell method. Results There was no expression of E-cadherin mRNA and protien in blank control group and valproic acid group. The expressions of E-cadherin mRNA and protien in hydralazine and valproic acid combined group were higher than those in hydralazine group ( P < 0.01), while the invasiveness of QBC939 cells of hydralazine and valproic acid combined group was much lower than that of blank control group, hydralazine group and valproic acid group ( P < 0.01). Conclusion DNMTi and HDACi can synergistically re-express E-cadherin gene and weaken the invasiveness of QBC939 cell, which plays an important part in treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.