Abstract：Richthofen, a famous Germany geographer and geologist, has played a significant role on the development of Chinese coal industry. During the period of 1868—1872, he came to China 7 times to investigate the reserves, exploitation, transportation, sales, market and workers of Chinese coal mines. He conducted a comprehensive survey of Chinese coal mines with advanced methods and technology, divided coal measure strata of some coal mines, measured the geological section, collected fossils, and carried on the preliminary drilling. It's Richthofen who presented the idea that China was the world's first coal power and his prediction of the coal reserves in Shanxi province shocked the whole world.

Keyword：Richthofen;modern China;coal geology;reconnaissance survey;