【Objective】 To study the situation of infant and young child feeding(IYCF) practice in research areas of China,to compare the IYCF indicators between research areas and other developing countries,so as to find out the existing problems in China. 【Methods】 A cross-sectional study with three-stage stratified random sampling method was conducted,and totally 3 708 caregivers of children under 2 years old from 40 counties in central and western China were selected to investigate their feeding practices with standard questionnaire designed by UNICEF.8 indicators listed in the WHO document "Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practice" were analyzed and compared with the data of other 46 developing countries published by WHO in 2010. 【Results】 The rates of early initiation of breastfeeding,exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months,continued breastfeeding at 1 year,and continued breastfeeding at 2 years in research areas of China,which were ranked 34,39,44 and 45 respectively in 47 countries,were lower than the average of other developing countries.The rate of introduction of solid,semi-solid or soft foods and minimum dietary diversity were ranked in top 20%,but the complementary feeding was generally too early. 【Conclusions】 Great efforts should be made to improve early initiation of breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding in these areas.Also measures should be taken to change the practice of breastfeeding with water and early complementary food intake.Providing the knowledge of IYCF and health education should play an important part in improving infant and young child feeding practice in China.