China has an abundant solar energy resource. Solar thermal conversion systems have been studied for 25 yr, and solar thermal industry has developed rapidly for 10 yr. There are various solar thermal systems, with an area of around 10 million m(2) in 2002. These systems mainly provide domestic hot water, but some other applications are under extensive study and development as well. The purpose of this paper is to present the developments that have taken place and that are under way. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.