Direct transformation of cellulose into HMF was carried out using a combination of metal chlorides in ionic liquid [EMIM]Cl. From high throughput screening of various metal chlorides, a combination of CrCl₂ and RuCl₃ was found as the most effective catalyst. HMF was directly afforded from cellulose in nearly 60% yield. Gram scale-up synthesis of HMF was successfully performed from cellulose using CrCl₂ and RuCl₃. Furthermore, lignocellulosic raw material reed could be directly converted into HMF and furfural in reasonable yields under these conditions.