Based on OpenSees procedure, the fiber model and fiber hinge model of RC column are built by using beam-column fiber element and beam with hinges fiber element respectively. The numerical simulation on nonlinear hysteretic response of RC column under cyclic loads is performed. According to the numerical results compared with experimental results, the effectiveness of simulation based on two different models is verified. Furthermore, the results of numerical simulation are discussed. The research indicates that the nonlinear hysteretic character istics of RC column under cyclic loads can be veritably simulated by using fiber element model, the numerical simulation veritably reflected the stiffness and strength degradation and pinch phenomenon of RC column under lateral cyclic loads and the parameters of material constitutive relation, number of integration points and length of plastic hinge in beam with hinges fiber element model has great influence on numerical simulation.