Breakthroughs in nuclear fusion technologies are expected to revolutionize energy production and generate substantial economic benefits, emerging as a key medium-to-long-term development focus in global science, technology, and energy domains. Applying engineering-oriented methodologies to advance the transition from experimental to demonstration fusion reactors is of critical significance for conducting fusion reactor research and construction with high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality. This study reviews the general situation of the fusion industry of China, and examines the progress in fusion reactor engineering in China and abroad across five critical dimensions: safety regulatory systems, design and engineering management, project implementation practices, industrial supply chain cultivation, and standardization framework. Moreover, it identifies the prominent problems faced by fusion reactor engineering in China, and proposes development strategies focusing on the following aspects: leveraging organizational strengths to advance fusion energy development, formulating fusion regulatory policies that balance safety and development, fostering public-private collaboration to cultivate the fusion industry chain, and establishing a top-down design approach for building the fusion standardization system. Regarding the research and engineering management of fusion reactor engineering, as well as the construction of fusion reactors led by specialized enterprises, strategic suggestions are further proposed to efficiently and precisely advance fusion reactor engineering in China, with the goal of achieving a leading position in the international fusion energy industry.