Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have imposed a substantial disease burden in China. Recently, the significance of childhood in CVD prevention has gained a significant attention. Prospective cohort studies have provided conclusive evidence that various risk factors during childhood are associated with the risk of CVD in adulthood. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials have made noteworthy advancements, demonstrating that healthy lifestyles during childhood could significantly promote cardiovascular health. The paper reviews the prevalence characteristics of CVD risk factors in Chinese children, the association with the risk of CVD development in adulthood and the progress of intervention research in childhood, in order to provide a scientific reference for the prevention of CVD from childhood.