Abstract: By the end of the year 2007, 2 531 natural reserves had been established, covering 1.52 × 104km2 in all and accounting for 15. 19% of its territory. Based on the discussing division of category and type of natural reserves, the present status of the construction in term of numbers and land area has been analyzed. It is considered that category and type of natural reserves in China are rich and varied, and the construction is rational, but the construction of category and type needs to be readjusted. The focus of development should be the marine and coastal ecosystem type, besides, the steppe and meadow ecosystem type and the natural monument categories should be added properly.