Based on the course of the development of nuclear geophysical techniques and instruments in China since 1950's, this paper has described the application of such techniques as airborne survey, ground survey, logging, radon survey, thermoluminescence and artificial radioactivity to the prospecting for radioactive mineral resources and oil gas accumulations and the evaluation of radiation in environment, and summed up the achievements made in various periods as well as in recent years. Some opinions are also given for the further researches in such aspects as the migration mechanism of radon, the application of soil thermoluminescence and the background of natural gamma radiation.