Abstract: The paper systematically reviews the development of the serial discontinuity concept(SDC)and its application. The river continuum concept influences the development of the SDC and its original form. The SDC evolves into two kinds of forms,the original form and the extending one With its extending form the discontinuity in whole river corridor caused by river regulation can be predicted. As the theoretical base of modeling and analyzing the river re-regulating planning,the SDC can provide guideline for the new project programs of watersheds and the restoration of the regulated rivers However,there are a few research works about the serial discontinuity concept in China. It is suggested to strengthen the research of this field in or der to improve the restoration of river ecosystem.