Continental shale oil is an important strategic supplement to the sustainable development of petroleum industry in China. Based on the thermal maturity of organic matter, most shale oil in China is medium-high or medium-low mature oil with relatively high density that is usually stored in thin layers and difficult to extract due to strong fluid flow resistance. Most petroliferous basins in China host shale oil but the abundance and distribution are not favorable for operators looking for a commercial exploitation. This study systematically investigates the recent progress of shale oil exploration and development in China. The result shows that the country is facing the following challenges while trying to explore its shale oil resources: complex geological conditions; a lack of established effective development mode; high development cost; and an absence of substantial breakthroughs in key technologies. Given these, the study suggests from research and policy-making perspectives to strengthen the research on basic theories and key technologies, establish demonstration zones for development of different types of shale oil, pursue breakthroughs in a stepwise approach, innovate the management mode to reduce the development cost, set shale oil as an independent mineral type, and give special policy incentives. Display omitted •Lacustrine shale oil of medium-high and medium-low maturity types.•Technical and economic challenges in commercial extraction. .•Measures to deal with the various challenges.