A novel approach is presented in this paper for the retrieval of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) using FengYun-2D (FY-2D) data based on a prior knowledge from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We make use of the broad solar band at 550-900nm on FY-2D satellite to retrieve the AOD over land based on a simply but effective parameterization method. And the MODIS AOD products are used as a prior knowledge. The detailed analysis of the model demonstrated that it is suitable for AOD retrieval over land. Three AERONET sites (Beijing, Xianghe and Xinglong) with different ground surface types were used for detailed analysis and validation. The results show that AOD observed at AERONET sites are fully in line with the retrieved AOD values from FY-2D data. Moreover, Comparisons between AOD datasets derived using the parameterization method from FY-2D data and AOD products from the NASA MODIS TERRA using Dark Dense Vegetation (DDV) and the Deep Blue algorithms were also conducted. The AOD values of more than 85 ％ of pixels derived by both methods were very close.