A data exchange method and apparatus, where the method includes: sending, by a primary base station, a request of setting up an X3 interface to a secondary base station, wherein the X3 interface has a capability of bidirectional data communication; receiving, by the primary base station, a response of setting up the X3 interface sent by the secondary base station; and performing, by the primary base station, bidirectional data exchange with the secondary base station using the X3 interface.