This paper provides a well-regulated explanation of the definition as well as contents of image engineering, a classification of the theories of image engineering and the applications of image technology. In addition, a comprehensive survey on important Chinese publications about image engineering in the past five years is carried out. An analysis and a discussion of the statistics made on the classification results are also presented. This work shows a general and up-to-date picture of the current status, progress trends and application areas of image engineering in China. It also supplies useful information for readers doing research and/or application works in this field, and provides a helpful reference for editors of journals and potential authors of papers.