Abstract Rapidly developing and research-rich coordination chemistry is one of the most active and innovative frontier disciplines in chemistry. However, in traditional coordination chemistry course, teaching content is obsolete, and teaching methods focus mainly on teaching theoretical knowledge, which neglect cultivating creative ability of students. Therefore, we have optimized the coordination chemistry curriculum system from the aspects of teaching content, teaching methods and assessment methods of coordination chemistry. And through the analysis of the latest research results and summarizing the innovative thinking of predecessors, the use of inquiry-based teaching mode has gradually cultivated students' innovative ability and established students' innovative thinking. In the comprehensive assessment at the end of the semester, the students' grades have been improved year by year, indicating that our teaching reform has achieved good teaching results.