In the paper the future of hydrogen infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles in China is discussed. It is believed that, China should make different plans of hydrogen infrastructure during different periods and in different regions. Besides, a case of application in Beijing is studied to find the best plan for Beijing to develop hydrogen infrastructure in 2008 when Olympic Games will be held. In the study of that case, 11 feasible plans are designed at first according to the current technology of production, storage and transportation of hydrogen in China. After that, the energy, environmental and economic performances of these plans are evaluated with "life cycle assessment". Finally, the best plan in the case is picked out from all the aspects of energy, environment and economy. (C) 2003 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.