The present paper gives a rather comprehensive account of the process of preparing and convening the 5th All-China Symposium on Exploration Geochemistry, and provides relevant statistical figures. Based on papers read out at the symposium and abstracts collected, this paper has reviewed developments in the field of guochemical prospecting as well as important advances and achievements gained in various branches since the 4th All-China Symposium on Exploration Geochemistry, and rather detailedly reflected the present situation and development trends of exploration geochemistry in China. It is also a brief yet comprehensive technical summing-up exploration geochemistry in China.