Abstract: The aeromagnetic survey in China has basically achieved full coverage of land and sea territory with 70 years of continuous development, owing to the essential contribution of digital processing of aeromagnetic data. As the initial practice of aeromagnetic survey data digital processing in China, the older generation of geophysicists, represented by Prof. Hou Chong-chu, have completed the aeromagnetic data processing in pan-North China with self-developed potential field transformation program, which started a new course of aeromagnetic data digital processing, supplied materials for aeromagnetic interpretation and deep structure research in eastern China, and played a key role in the aeromagnetic study of North China tectonics. By reviewing the development history of aeromagnetic survey in China, the paper summarizes historical experience and successful practices to provide reference for further development of aeromagnetic survey theory, method and technology in the new era.