Silicon wafers are fundamental materials for semiconductors. China's semiconductor silicon wafers are highly dependent on foreign trade. Enhancing the independent guarantee capability of silicon wafers is significant for improving the overall level of China’s semiconductor industry. This study focuses on the market-dominant 8-inch and 12-inch silicon wafers, analyzes the development status of the global semiconductor silicon wafer technologies and industry, and prospects the development trend of the industry. The study specifically focuses on the development status of China's semiconductor silicon wafer industry, and points out that the industry in China is currently facing critical developing opportunities considering the market demand, macro policies, supporting capacities, R&D investment, and other favorable factors; meanwhile, it still faces challenges. Furthermore, the following measures and suggestions are proposed: (1) further strengthening top-level design and macro planning, (2) strengthening policy implementation and sustainability, (3) supporting the coordinated development of the industrial chain, and (4) developing semiconductor silicon wafers for advanced processing of integrated circuits, hoping to provide a reference for the higher-quality development of China’s semiconductor silicon wafer industry.