Peat is an emerging industrial mineral of great significance, and a typical example of “gorgeous turn” from traditional minerals to emerging industries. Globally a total of 500 billion tons of peat is consumed of which China’s share is 12. 496 billion tonsof rich and medium- quality peat with a rising demand. The metallogenic epoch developed during the Quaternary (Holocene), when most of the peat was converted to lignite. The main type of peat deposits in China are eutrophic meadow peat, followed by woody peat and moss peat in the second and third place. Metallogenic regularities summarized in this paper are based on a review of 5719 peat deposits listed in the 1988 National peat report. Five largescale oreconcentrated areas, seven small and mediumsized oreconcentrated areas, and three largescale prediction area are plotted based on available knowledge, thus providing a theoretical framework for the exploration of peat resources. A fresh survey is now necessary as many peatlands identified in the last national survey thirty years ago have disappeared due to global climate change, urbanization and other reasons. It is important to emphasize that the importance of peat is no longer limited to fuel, but is also relevant for energy conservation, ecosystem and environmental protection, as a carbon sink and in biotechnology. With this in view, the editorial board of China Mineral Geology has recommended that peat be classified as a nonmetallic mineral and invited suggestions for its development and utilization.