Child nutrition is cornerstone for survival, growth and development of children and the basis for health of the whole populations. The nutrition status of children under 5 years is the most sensitive indicator for assessing nutrition and health status of populations and is an important one for reflecting socioeconomic power of a country. Malnutrition among children under 5 years influences short-term and long-term childhood growth and development, increases risks of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in their adulthood, increases burden of disease for families and countries and results in profoundly economic and social consequences. The first 5 years of life is a critical window period for nutrition intervention, which could promote children survival and development abilities, prevent NCD and boost healthy development. This article summarized the success of nutrition improvement in China. The prevalence of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency decreased dramatically among Chinese children under 5 years since reform and opening, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased rapidly. Nutritional status of children under 5 years was close to or even higher than that of their peer in middle- and high-income countries. The United Nations nutritional goal among Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) achieved ahead of time. Despite of substantial progress in China, the rapid increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, region disparity, and low exclusive breastfeeding rate are major challenges which need to be addressed. Strategies and measures were suggested for public and policy makers with regard to relevant policy implementation, nutrition education, service promotion and dissemination, surveillance of maternal and child nutrition to improve nutritional status of children gradually, which might stimulate the sustainable development of nutrition and health among Chinese populations.