[Objective] This paper aimed to clarify the rice planting methods and its supporting technology to be developed in rice producing areas in China. [Method] Evolvement of rice planting methods in rice producing areas in China and in representative rice-growth countries abroad, its characteristics, adaptability and key issues were analyzed. [Result] The analysis of development of rice planting method in China and abroad indicated that rice planting method was adapted to rice-based cropping system and ecological environment, and its transition accompanied with social and economic development. With agricultural labor transfer from agriculture to other industries since 1990’s, rice seedling throwing was gradually applied and in recent decades, while direct seeding and machine transplanting were practiced. Now, hand transplanting is still the main rice planting method, adopted in 50% of national rice planting area; seedling throwing, direct seeding and machine transplanting are conducted in 25% , 12% and 13% of the national rice planting area. [Conclusion] Machine transplanting should be a leading rice planting method. Though area covered with machine direct seeding is still small up to now, it can be practiced in some rice growing area due to labor saving and low cost. Leading planting methods and its supporting key technologies are proposed in various rice producing areas in the future.
