Cantharellus Adans. ex Fr., a member of the Cantharellaceae, Cantharellales, Homobasidiomycetes, Basidiomycota, is a widely distributed macro-fungal genus with an independent evolutionary lineage. It currently includes 65 species, of which 9 were recorded in China. In this article, research history of the genus was briefly reviewed and some controversial conclusions, especially the demarcation and naming of some taxa, discrimination among similar species, problems on C. cibarius Fr. and C. tubaeformis Fr.: Fr. complex, as well as their ecological conservation and bionic cultivation, are discussed based on the authors’ findings. Proposals for further research on biodiversities and sustainable utilizations were put forward at last.