The use of kaolin and calcined kaolin (metakaolin: MK) to manufacture geopolymer has attracted worldwide interests. The aim of this paper is to present an overview on the progress of the geopolymer research and development in China in the last 25 years. The works on geopolymerisation mechanisms, microstructure development, properties and the application development of geopolymers as green building material, thermal resistant material and advanced inorganic composites and ceramics are reviewed. Most of these works have been published, many of which are in Chinese, and have made significant contribution to the progress of geopolymer science and technology, as a whole from a global view. The latest experimental results of efflorescence and phase transformation are discussed as two key issues regarding to the application of MK-based geopolymers. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.