The article reviews the conservation and restoration measures of wetlands in China, interpreting the country's management policies and proposing future research directions. It highlights that the 27 International Wetlands Days from 1997 to 2023 have provided new goals and tasks for wetland protection, while the 14 Conferences of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands from 1980 to 2022 have offered new directions and challenges. The authors emphasize the need to enhance wetland ecological functions, promote sustainable development, and overcome technical bottlenecks in ecosystem restoration. China's experience in wetland protection and restoration has been shaped by national strategic deployment, legal policy establishment, and project implementation. Future research should focus on aligning with international conventions and sustainable development goals, promoting high-quality wetland development, and addressing complex issues through collaborative efforts. The article also underscores the importance of cross-integration and academic innovation for disciplinary development, global supervision, comprehensive assessment, and smart decision-making.The article reviews the conservation and restoration measures of wetlands in China, interpreting the country's management policies and proposing future research directions. It highlights that the 27 International Wetlands Days from 1997 to 2023 have provided new goals and tasks for wetland protection, while the 14 Conferences of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands from 1980 to 2022 have offered new directions and challenges. The authors emphasize the need to enhance wetland ecological functions, promote sustainable development, and overcome technical bottlenecks in ecosystem restoration. China's experience in wetland protection and restoration has been shaped by national strategic deployment, legal policy establishment, and project implementation. Future research should focus on aligning with international conventions and sustainable development goals, promoting high-quality wetland development, and addressing complex issues through collaborative efforts. The article also underscores the importance of cross-integration and academic innovation for disciplinary development, global supervision, comprehensive assessment, and smart decision-making.