Abstract: The study of tectonic stress field,which was founded by J.S.Lee,can be divided into the following two periods:①initial research period(1926-1966),which focuses on the tectonic stress fields of some typical structural patterns by the analysis of stress states of structural features.②in situ measurement period(1966-),which focuses on the plane tectonic stress field research in the former part of this period and later on the 3-D tectonic stress field study and on the deep tectonic stress field research in the future mainly by the insitu measurements of crustal deformation,crustal stress,fault displacement,rock fabrics,stress minerals,as well as modeling experiments.The research on tectonic stress field has not only the significance in exploring mineral resources,protecting geological environments,controlling geological hazards and in application in engineering construction,but also the important role in discussing crustal movement.