Objective To investigate the development of biofilm research over the last 10 years in China based on a bibliometric approach. Methods We searched PubMed (1997 to 2007), China Hospital Knowledge Database (1997 to 2007), and VIP Chinese Journal Database (1997 to 2007). Quality assessment and data collection were performed by two reviewers independently. The amount of literature, research institutions, financial assistance, and contents of biofilm research were analyzed. Results A total of 240 Chinese papers were included. Colleges were the leading research institutions in China, and most of research focused on pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococci, primarily based on in vitro models. Available antibiotics were the main measures for biofilm control. Only 4 RCTs with a C grade in terms of methodological quality were included. Conclusion Biofilm research in China can keep pace with the international development, but its integration with engineering, material science and immunology needs to be strengthened.