Dehydrogenation-cracking double-stage (tandem) reaction of n-butane was studied using a Pt-Sn type dehydrogenation catalyst and a cracking catalyst (rare earth-loaded HZSM-5). n-Butane was firstly dehydroggenated to n-butene (1-and 2-butene) over the Pt-Sn catalyst loaded at the upper part of the reactor. Then n-butene was successively converted to ethylene and propylene over the cracking catalyst loaded at the lower part of the reactor. The yield of light olefins (ethylene + propylene) was 58% at 650 degreesC. The key to obtaining ethylene and propylene in high yield was to determine how the bimolecular reactions of olefins to aromatic and heavier products can be inhibited. It was proved that the loaded rare earths played an important role in inhibiting the bimolecular reactions.