Based on several polar icebreakers which are pre-studied, designed, built or modified in china in recent years, some key technologies in general design and structural design of this type of vessels, such as hull form, propulsion system, chilling protection system, ice load simulation and optimal design of ice belt structure, are briefly introduced in this paper. Design feature and difficulty are examined, as well as the research status and applications in China are introduced. The follow-up research and development of corresponding technologies are discussed. © 2020, Editorial Office of Ship Building of China. All right reserved.