Abstract: In spite of great economic significance, very little is known about the lacustrine carbonate rocks both at home and abroad. The present paper, referenced to the previous data, gives an overview of the lacustrine carbonate rocks in China on the basis of rock types, distribution, facies models, reservoir rocks and source rocks. Future researches should focus on the evolution of the lacustrine carbonate rocks during geologic times; physical and chemical conditions for the formation of the lacustrine carbonate rocks in distinctive environments; relationship between the formation of the lacustrine carbonate rocks and transgressions, and that between oil-generating and reservoir capacities and environments in which the lacustrine carbonate rocks were deposited.