) is an important large red algae (laver) that not only tastes delicious but also possesses several health-beneficial effects, such as antilipidemic and anti-ageing effects. In addition, blades have a strong ability to absorb nitrogen and phosphorus and fix carbon, and its cultivation also plays an important role in the restoration and improvement of eutrophication in shallow seas. Herein, we introduce the germplasm resources of in China and review the advances in its breeding technique, objectives, and achievements. At present, there are 24 species and varieties of laver in China, and they are mainly distributed from the south of the Huanghai and Bohai Seas to the southeast coast of Guangdong, and a few species are also common in Taiwan and Hainan Island. In the Huanghai and Bohai Seas, are the main species, and in the southeast coast, are the main species. Based on the natural groups and habitat environment, there are two cultivation areas, namely, the north and south of the Yangtze River cultivating , respectively. Although the problem of seed quantity has been solved by traditional seedling methods, the problem of seed quality has not been resolved because inbreeding could easily decrease the quality of a cultivated germplasm. Therefore, genetic breeding of is of great significance to promote its yield and quality. The breeding techniques of have been improved with the progress in science and technology and with the accumulation of cultivation experience, through the initial field selection (selective breeding), mutation breeding and cross breeding, which are based on cell biology, and genetic engineering breeding. The purpose of genetic breeding of is to provide varieties that meet the needs of production and development; therefore, the breeding objectives should also change with changes in production and market demand. In the early stage of breeding, yield and quality were used as key indicators to identify whether a variety is good. With changes in climate and marine environment, it is of great significance to cultivate varieties of with high-temperature and low-salt resistance. At present, Chinese has cultivated 6 new varities of P. yezoensis. Finally, we put forward some problems in the development of laver industry in China, assuming that superior seed selection and industrial development are interrelated. Overall, the paper provide useful information for further studies in genetics and breeding.