Fe2O3/activated coke (AC) and Mn–Fe2O3/AC catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method for the low‐temperature selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) with ammonia (NH3). These catalysts were characterized by X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction, isothermal N2 adsorption/desorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature program reduction by H2, and temperature programmed desorption of NH3 methods. Experimental results show that Fe2O3/AC catalyst with Mn addition exhibits an excellent NOx conversion at low temperature. Nearly more than 94.7% NOx conversion of 8Mn6Fe/AC catalyst was obtained at 180–240°C. The results of NH3 transient reaction and adsorption capacity of NOx indicate that 8Mn6Fe/AC catalyst has the capacity to adsorb gaseous NH3 and NOx on the catalyst surface. 6Fe/AC catalyst with a certain amount addition of Mn increases the dispersion of γ‐Fe2O3 phase, and ratios of Fe3+/(Fe2+ + Fe3+) and Oβ/(Oβ + Oα) obtained good reducibility and a lot of acid sites, which play important roles in improving the NOx conversion. The influences of SO2 and H2O on the NOx conversion over 8Mn6Fe/AC catalyst were also investigated. The good H2O poisoning resistance was obtained.