A simulation of the properties of the shifting scintillator neutron detector using (LiF)-Li-6/ZnS(Ag) scintillation screens is performed. The simulation results show that the light attenuation length of standard BC704 scintillator is about 0.65 mm. Its thermal neutron detection efficiency, gamma sensitivity and intrinsic spatial resolution can achieve around 50.0%, 10(-5) and 0.18 mm (along X-axis) respectively. For the detector, air coupling position resolution is better than the silicone oil coupling. Some of the simulation results are compared with experimental results. They are in agreement. This work will be helpful for constructing neutron detector for high intensity powder diffractometer at Chinese spallation neutron source.