This paper mainly reviews the history of the construction of the underground utility tunnel in China, and points out the existing problems. Based on the analysis of several construction cases, some practical experience on the large-scale promotion and construction of urban underground utility tunnels in China are given from the decision-making, planning, construction, management and other aspects, which may be helpful to the development of underground utility tunnels in other countries. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.