China’s continual increase in energy demand and its heavy reliance on coal combustion are a compelling motivation for the adjustment of Chinese energy structure. China is the biggest agricultural country and 80% of its population live in rural areas. Biomass, an organic matter, such as wood, crops and animal wastes, is a significant source of energy in China today, particularly in the countryside. However, the current use of biomass such as firewood and agricultural residues is largely for cooking and heating using traditional stoves which are of low energy efficiency and produce various air pollutants. This article firstly addresses the potential size of the biomass resource in China. Some novel advanced biomass technologies which may play a significant role in China’s energy system in the long term and appropriate to be developed in China, are reviewed. As some populations in China still live in remote rural areas and islands without electricity, biomass-fuelled cogeneration suitable for applications in these areas is finally discussed.