The linear rail transit system (LRTS) has the advantages such as high performance, low construction cost, easy maintenance, friendly with the environment, the researchers all over the world therefore has focused their interests on the LRTS. Despite its late start, China is marking a rapid progress on the study of the linear rail transit system. The LRTS in China can be divided into two types: maglev train system and the linear metro system. This article will revolve around the two aspects above to address the develop status and the newly research progress of the LRST in China. Meanwhile, the article also presents the research progress of the high-temperature superconducting (HTS) linear motors used for LRTS.