This invention relates to methods for purification of paclitaxel from a paclitaxel-containing material. The method comprises the following steps: (a) extracting a paclitaxel-containing material with an organic solvent to obtain an extract, and concentrating the extract; (b) adding the concentrate with an organic solvent which is not mixed with water to separate an organic solvent phase and then concentrating; (c) subjecting the concentrate to normal phase chromatography to obtain an eluate; (d) dissolving the eluate in an acetone or dichloromethane followed by adding pentane or hexane to form a precipitate; and (e) subjecting the precipitate to high performance liquid chromatography. According to the method of the present invention, paclitaxel of over 99.5% purity can be easily obtained from a Taxus genus plant with a high yield.