Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a serious systemic allergic disease, which together with comorbid asthma causes major illness and disability worldwide. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed wide variations in the increasing prevalence of AR and allergies globally, including in China. Despite a markedly higher population than western countries, and a landmass close to Europe in area, little epidemiological data is available on AR in China. Thus, the present study reviewed the prevalence, comorbid allergic diseases, trends and pattern of sensitizing allergens in adults and children suffering from AR in China. Available data indicated that despite variations in the prevalence of AR in different regions of the country, the prevalence of AR has increased in both adults and children over the last 2 decades. Similarly, there has been an increase in a "western"-type lifestyle, industrialization and air pollution over this period, which may have contributed to the increased prevalence of AR observed in China.