This application provides an imaging method and an optical imaging system. One example method includes: obtaining a first modulation parameter, wherein the first modulation parameter is determined based on a first distorted image and a first target image, the first distorted image is an image presented after imaging processing is performed on a training image by using the optical imaging system and a screen, the first target image is an image of the training image, and distortion of the first target image falls within a preset range; and controlling the spatial light modulator to modulate an electrical signal of a to-be-imaged first image based on the first modulation parameter, and to generate an imaging light beam that is incident to human eyes through the lens and the screen.