The characteristics of the spatial and temporal distribution of red tides in China along the China coast are analyzed based on Oceanic Calamity Communique in China.The results show that red tides increase very fast in recent years,and they occurs almost at any time of a year in every coastal province and more frequently from May to September,most likely in Zhejiang Province around the estuary of the Yangtze River.The meteorological elements at the Zhoushan Station during the red tides are analyzed.The main characteristics include high humidity,low atmospheric pressure,long sunshine duration,and east winds.The weather patterns during red tides are summed up from the weather charts of the same time: there exists northwest wind at the upper level and low uniformed surface pressure;at the near surface layer,there are massive high temperature gradient areas along the east coastal area of China.The relation of red tides and weather patterns are discussed.