Abstract: Urban storm water simulation techniques are reviewed in the context of hydrological processing.In spite of the fact that the established techniques for pipe-network flow concentration have been made available,substantial improvements in the areas of runoff generation and overland flow concentration are clearly desirable.Viewing from the perspective of modeling approaches,the development has undergone from empiricism,conceptualization,to the newly emerged theorization.Both lumped and distributed techniques have been used for model developments and applications.Advantages and disadvantages of these modeling approaches are discussed by summing up the characteristics of representative models for urban storm water simulations; and the gaps in the modeling techniques between China and the world are pointed out.The review also involves discussions of data collection and management,which is important to the improvement of model performances.Finally,the main future challenges in urban storm water simulation are highlighted.