Abstract: Al though China’s ne wlyes tablished system of environmental law has provided the fundamental legalguarantee for the undertaking of environmental protection in China, there is still much to be desired with the system. In order to meet the requi rements of socialist market economy, it is essential to reconsider the existing environmental law and perfectit and strengthen the job of legislation, abolition, and amendament in acc ordance with the principle of sustainable development, thus establishing a feasible environmental law with Chinese characteristics.

Key words: environmental law system, basic environmental law, special envi ronmental law, local environmental legislation, International Treaty of Environmental Protection