Rock engineering has a long history in China. It may be dated back to 700,000 years ago when Peking Man built rock caves for homes. Modern rock mechanics, however, was started no more than 50 years ago. In association with developments and progress in dam engineering are summarized in this paper. Representative papers, written by Chinese authors, in relevant rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering journals during the past decades, are reviewed. Major dam rock engineering issues, including engineering survey and design, rock excavation and reinforcement, monitoring and early warning and forecasting systems are also presented. The achievements have helped to both vigorously promote the development of China in terms of energy supply and major infrastructure construction related to national strategic and greatly promote progress in scientific and technical aspects in dam rock mechanics and engineering. Some typical dam constructions in China are also discussed. Meanwhile, some challenges in dam rock engineering developments in China are identified, and some suggestions are provided for addressing such challenges.