In this paper, the progress in the study of Phanerozoic plate (contiental)-margin or paleocontinental-margin orogenic belts of China by Chinese geologists since 1949, especially since the 1980's, is reviewed. For example, three tectonic domains have been distinguished in China (i. e. Paleo-Asian, Tethys, circum-Pacific); most gigantic orogenic systems have experienced multi-stage formation and elimination of ancient oceanic basins and continental collision; the diversity of divergent continental margins and that of the environemnt,subduction and migration of oceanic basins have been recognized. In the last two decades, Chinese geologists have strengthened the kinematic study of the three-dimensional deformation of orogenic belts and proposed such new views as multi-layered detachment and superimposion and 3-D wedging. Finally, some hot topics and prospects for further research on continental orogens of China are proposed.