The exploration and development of coalbed methane (CBM) is of great significance for ensuring China’s energy security and socio-economic development. A systematic analysis of domestic CBM research trends can provide valuable insights to support its industry development. Methods: Based on the literature data in the field of CBM exploration and development from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database over the past 30 years (1995~2024), this study comprehensively examine the development trends of China’s CBM research over the past three decades by using bibliometric research methods and knowledge graph software. The analysis covers dimensions such as annual publication volume, core authors and research institutions, cooperative relationships, research topics and technological frontiers.Results:The number of CBM research papers in China has gone through three stages: slow growth, rapid growth and fluctuating development, which has a good correspondence with the development of Chinese CBM industry. High-output authors mainly come from universities with geological, mineral and oil industry characteristics. Although cooperation among authors is sufficient, it is mainly internal cooperation within institutions. Some distinct research directions are formed among high-collaboration-intensity institutions, which demonstrate significant characteristics of university-enterprise collaborative relationship. CBM research in China mainly focuses on five themes, the theme of coal reservoir stimulation and drainage technology, as well as CBM exploration and development technologies in strategic expansion areas have received considerable attention and are the major sources of technological innovation.Conclusions: The technological frontiers of CBM exploration and development research continue to evolve with industrial development. Efficient development of deep CBM and other coal measure gas in complex geological conditions, coalbed CO2 geological storage and CO2 enhanced CBM development are the current cutting-edge fields.