Along with adiscussion on the application and the statistical processing of albedo data, factors influencing the value of surface albedo and its areal and temporal distribution over China are analyzed, data being available from 60 actinological stations. Two empirical formulas for estimating mean monthly albedo, taking into account snow cover and temperatures respectively. Mean albedo charts of China for significant months representing the four seasons are constructed, with the characteristic distribution of types of soil and vegetation being considered.