Abstract: In this paper,a review is made on the history of China's urban mapping and the authors point out that as early as 11 centuries B.C,there were records on urban mapping activities in China.Through some brief analysis on ancient as well as modern maps,it is considered that they playing an ever increasingly important role in social economic construction.A consideration on urban thematic serial mapping has been put forward and both its necessity and contents together with the mathematical.basis for city maps are discussed.In conclusion,a feasible technical guideline for development of China's urban mapping is suggested.