This article reviews studies and applications of mulching agriculture using thin plastic film in China. Plastic film mulching makes great effects on traditional mulching techniques of China. Over past 20 years with application of thin plastic film, some great changes have taken place in agricultural production of China, such as expanding suitable cultivated regions, regulating cropping distribution, increasing cropping index and promoting agricultural development in arid, semi-arid and salinized soil regions. Main mechanisms of yield increasing by plastic film mulching are： raising soil temperature, protecting soil water from evaporation, steadying soil environment, improving light and energy utilization efficiencies and promoting crop roots development. Problems and prospects of mulching agriculture using thin plastic film are reviewed at the end of the erticle.