AIM To review the evolution of gastrointestinal (GI) imageology in China over the past 50 years.METHODS The evolution of GI imageological equipment and techniques, published original articles of GIimageology in the Chinese Journal of Radiology, books of GI imageology in China, academic researcheswhich won the academic award of scientific and technological progress at the ministrial and national levelwere reviewed.RESULTS Within 50 years of GI imageology evolution, equipment of GI imageology were developed from200mA X-rays apparatus in the 50s to digital X-rays in the 90s. Technique of GI imaging was developed fromgeneral radiography in the 50s to digital radiography (DR), CT and MR virtual endoscopy of GI in the 90s.About 211 original articles were published in the Chinese Journal of Radiology on the GI imageology.Radiography and single contrast examination of disease were mainly described in the 50s and CT and MR andDR and interventional radiology in the 90s. Twelve books about GI imageology were published within the 50years, ranging from atlas of X-ray examination and diagnosis of GI by Chen Zhen-Lin to atlas of imagingdiagnosis of alimentary tract disease by Xie Jin-Xia. Three academic prizes of scientific and technologicalprogress were awarded by the Ministry of Health and the nation. The study of double contrast barium sulfateof Hua-Shan 2000 by Chen Gen-Fang et al acquired class 3 award of national invention in the 70s, andexperimental study and applications of double contrast radiography by Shang Ke-Zhong et al won class 3award of the Ministry of Health.CONCLUSION In keeping abreast with the development of world GI imageology, great achievements havebeen made in the study and development in GI imageology in China with its own features.