The effect of three different retarders including boric acid, citric acid and sodium gluconate, on the properties of high belite sulphoaluminate cement and its influence mechanism were studied through the macro test of setting time and fluidity, combined with the micro test of hydration heat, thermal analysis(TG DTG) and X ray diffraction(XRD). The results show that the three retarders have positive effects on the retarding and fluidity of the sulphoaluminate cement. Boric acid retards the setting of mortar mainly by inhibiting the dissolution of cement clinker, while citric acid and sodium gluconate inhibit the formation of AFt crystal by complexing and adsorbing Ca2+, Al3+ ions dissolved from cement clinker. Furthermore, the three retarders have different effects on the mechanical properties of cement stone by affecting the morphology and distribution of AFt crystal.