Passive low energy buildings are one of the important development directions for the transformation to low carbon and green development of China’s construction industry. The development status, future development opportunities and challenges of passive ultra low energy buildings in China are summarized.The development history and key demonstration projects of passive low energy buildings, the support policies of the state, provinces and cities, and the preparation and implementation of national and local standards are introduced. Finally, the technical, policy and economic issues emerging in the development of passive low energy buildings are discussed and the future development is expected.