Objective: To analyze the current situation and research update on campus air quality in China, and to provide reference for effective campus environment improvement. Methods: The documents of China national knowledge internet (CNKI) from 1980 to 2020 were extracted and the key words related to campus air quality were analyzed by CiteSpace software. Microorganisms, formaldehyde and benzene were selected, data of 200 literatures were classified and sorted out in different functional areas. Results: Studies on campus air quality in China has been increasing gradually since 2004, especially focusing on indoor air, PM 2.5 and benzene series. The primary microorganism in the air environment of Chinese campuses was bacteria with the concentration of 2 309.31 cfu/m 3 . The ranking of the overall load of bacteria in air of different functional areas was consistent with that of microorganisms: living service area > landscape leisure area > public transport area > scientific research and teaching area > administrative office area > sports activity area. The average value of microbial indicators in indoor air of computer room, office area and campus living areas were more likely exceed the standard. The formaldehyde concentration in the computer room and reading room was high. The health of students exposed to formaldehyde and benzene on campus evaluated by using the evaluation model of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proved out to be in the safe range. Conclusion The concentrations of microorganisms, formaldehyde and benzene in campus environment mostly meet the requirements. Further measures need to be taken to reduce microbial concentration and strengthen formaldehyde monitoring and pollution source management in computer room and reading room.