The Chinese government has set ambitious goals for nuclear power. By 2020, China must reach a 40-GW nuclear power generation capacity, have 18 GW of additional nuclear power capacity under construction, and ensure that approximately 4% of electricity generation (i.e., 260-280 billion kWh) comes from nuclear power. This paper provides an overview of nuclear power development in China and analyzes the roles of nuclear power manufacturers and investors. This paper further discusses current government policies, potential changes to current policy, the future of nuclear power, and the barriers to nuclear power development in China. The paper then summarizes the experiences of other countries with successful stories in developing nuclear power. Finally, recommendations for overcoming the various obstacles to nuclear power development in China are proposed, such as reforming the structure of China's nuclear power industry, establishing an effective legal system for nuclear power safety, and improving China's technology development. DOI:10.1061/(ASCE)EY.19437897.0000049. (C) 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.