Abstract: Using the methods of literature, this present paper reviews the development of table tennis in different periods of modern China. The results show that in different periods, participation groups and competition rules had different characteristics. The YMCA had a positive influence on the popularization of table tennis. Coastal cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Tianjin were the central cities for the development of table tennis in modern China, playing an important role in promoting the development of table tennis in the surrounding areas. At the beginning of development,sports pioneers had great influence on table tennis. Although the development of table tennis in modern China was slightly backward, it laid a talent foundation for the brilliance of table tennis in People's Republic of China as compared with other sports.

Key words: development of table tennis, modern china, development course, characteristic analysis