Semiconductor lighting is a new industry emerging at the beginning of the 21st century, and is also the first breakthrough for the successful industrialization of the third generation of semiconductor materials in China. The technology development is changing day by day, and it is one of the focal points of international high-tech competition. At present, China's semiconductor lighting industry has formed a complete industrial chain. The core technologies of power white LED, silicon LED, full spectrum LED and others are synchronized with the international markets. Innovative applications such as UV LED, visible light communications, agricultural lighting and photo-medical treatment are leading the world. Here, the research progress of semiconductor lighting in China is introduced, the development history of its related industry is reviewed, and its future is prospected.