Photoluminescent(PL) and cathodoluminescent(CL) properties of rare earths (Sc3+, La3+, Gd3+ and Lu3+) doped (Y0.97Tb0.03)2SiO5 were studied. Rare earth doping clearly influences PL and CL properties of Y2SiO5:Tb. For La3+ doped system, PL intensity increases nearly 10% at x=0.05 whereas for Lu3+ doped system, the intensity increases about 20% at x=0.20. Gd3+ doping and Sc3+ doping reduce the intensity; at x=0.3, it is reduced about 30% for Gd3+ doped system and about 15% for Sc3+ doped system, respectively. Quenching concentration of activator became higher in rare earth doped samples, which may be understood by that the rare earth dopants might dilute the concentration of the activator. Additionally, doping also influences the color saturation of Y2SiO5:Tb. Sc3+, La3+, and Gd3+ doping improve the color saturation, whereas Lu3+ doping decreases the color saturation. CL measurements show that CL intensity increases for all rare earths doped systems. The energy transfer from Gd3+ to Tb3+ was discussed.