Abstract: The heavy metals in atmospheric particulate matter have important effects on human health. In order to understand the pollution levels and the regional pollution characteristics of heavy metals, this study collects and summarizes the research results of atmospheric heavy metal pollution in different regions of China in the past 30 years. Seven heavy metals including As, Zn, Cr(Ⅵ), Pb, Cd, Mn and Ni in PM_2.5 were collected and analyzed. The results show that: (1) The national standard concentration limits for some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr(Ⅵ)) have been set, but Ni and Mn are involved. (2) The background concentration of heavy metals in PM_2.5 of China varies greatly from site to site. The concentrations of natural background sites are 40.7%-97.6% lower than those of rural and near-city background sites. The regions with high levels of heavy metals in PM_2.5 are mainly concentrated in economically developed areas, such as North China, East China, and South China. The implementation of the National Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan in 2013 has significantly reduced the concentration of heavy metals in PM_2.5. The pollution levels of heavy metals before and after 2013 are compared. ρ(Cr(Ⅵ)), ρ(Ni), ρ(Pb), ρ(Mn) and ρ(As) in PM_2.5 all decrease, but ρ(Zn), ρ(Cd) slightly increase. (3) The characteristics of heavy metal pollution in PM_2.5 in typical cities are different. In Beijing, the emission sources of Cd and As should be controlled. More attention should be paid to the control of Cr(Ⅵ) and Ni in Shanghai and Guangzhou. The study shows that to control heavy metals in atmospheric particulates, it is recommended to pay more attention to the emission control of As and Cr(Ⅵ). Different pollution control measures should to be considered for difference regions of atmospheric heavy metals.