Based on schlieren imaging method the shock wave generated by diesel injector has been investigated,and the influences of ambient gas property, the progress of the spray, ambient gas density and ambient gas temperature on shock wave have been analyzed. The results show that:the images of spray shock wave are cleaner using sulfur hexafluoride(SF6) as ambient gas than using the nitrogen(N2); at the beginning of injection, shock wave phenomenon does not generate immediately as the fuel leave the nozzle because of the needle movement, and the hesitation is decided by the injection condition and characteristics of injector. The generation of shock wave in the spray tip and the detachment of shock wave from the spray tip show little effect on the spray macroscopic characteristics. The ambient gas density and temperature have a significant effect on the maximum of spray tip velocity, types of shock wave and the detachment timing of shock wave from the spray tip. Based on schlieren imaging method the shock wave generated by diesel injector has been investigated, and the influences of ambient gas property, the progress of the spray, ambient gas density and ambient gas temperature on shock wave have been analyzed. The results show that: the images of spray shock wave are cleaner using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as ambient gas than using the nitrogen (N2); at the beginning of injection, shock wave phenomenon does not generate immediately as the fuel leave the nozzle because of the needle movement, and the hesitation is decided by the injection condition and characteristics of injector. The generation of shock wave in the spray tip and the detachment of shock wave from the spray tip show little effect on the spray macroscopic characteristics. The ambient gas density and temperature have a significant effect on the maximum of spray tip velocity, types of shock wave and the detachment timing of shock wave from the spray tip.