This research starts with the individuals of data journalism practitioners，investigates their professional identity and relative influences，and tries to understand the field of data journalism. In addition，this study is a penetration to observe the whole media industry，to see what opportunities and challenges the media organizations as well as its practitioners are faced with in such a changing media environment. This research uses in-depth interview and questionnaire method to describe the current working situations of data journalism practitioners. With rich first-hand material，the analyses are performed in three aspects，individual practitioners，occupation space and industry environment of data journalism. The research shows that the professional ideals and concepts of data journalists are higher and more open，but they are under great pressure of work，poor salary and uncertain career development path. Data journalism as an innovative department in media organizations is still in exploratory stage with many uncertainties. The practice of data journalism in China is taking shape and finding its way，but more norms need to be established.