Abstract: A new ceramsite concrete, fly ash cenosphere-desert sand ceramsite concrete (FDCC), was prepared using desert sand (DS) and fly ash cenosphere (FAC) as a partial replacement for river sand and mixed with polymer (PL). The effects of the DS replacement rate, FAC replacement rate and PL admixture on the workability and mechanical properties of the FDCC were investigated by means of univariate variables, and prediction models for compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the FDCC were established. The results show that the DS and FAC can partly replace river sand to prepare the lightweight aggregate concrete. The apparent density of the FDCC is linearly related to the compressive strength, the slump decreases with the DS replacement rate increasing and increases with the FAC replacement rate and the PL admixture increasing. The compressive strength of the FDCC increases and then decreases with the DS replacement rate increasing, and decreases then increases with the FAC replacement rate increasing. The optimal DS and FAC replacement rates and the optimal PL admixture are 20vol%, 30vol% and 1wt%, respectively. The splitting tensile strength of the FDCC decreases with the DS and FAC replacement rates and PL admixture increasing. The incorporation of the DS and FAC promotes the formation of hydration products and is beneficial to the microstructure of FDCC concrete.