This paper has described geological and geophysical characteristics of coalfield 3D seismic exploration in western China and discussed such problems as the design of the observation system in 3D seismic exploration, the selection of excitation and receiving conditions of seismic wave, and the engineering technical measures. The acquisition of seismic data in several areas shows that 3D seismic exploration of coalfields can also attain fairly good results under the complex landform and seismic geological conditions of western China.