Abstract: The world has been confronted with an energy crisis because of the depletion of resources and increased environmental problems. Nowadays, the development of biodiesel fuel is one of the best ways to solve the problems. In contrast with the rapid development of biodiesel fuel abroad, China has taken only preliminary steps in this development, even though it has almost all the most affluent oil plant resources in the world. This review discusses the international development status of biodiesel fuels in terms of 5 potential oil plants (Jatropha curcas, Cornus wilsoniana, Xanthoceras sorbifolia, Pistacia chinensis and Cerasus humilis) and 1 wild oil plant (Salicornia bigelivii) species mainly introduced according to the situation in China. The advantage of improving the content of oil plants by transgenic technology is discussed, and 4 techniques of biodiesel fuel production are summarized. Governmental policy supports oil plant cultivation and biodiesel production. In conclusion, the review provides some strategies that could have value in the development of bioenergy in China.