The development of metropolitan area is the objective law and common phenomenon in the process of urbanization in the world. It is also the inevitable trend that the city develops into a certain stage，the urban industry expands outward，and the urban function disperses outward. China’s urbanization has entered the middle and late stage，and is entering the era of metropolitan area. This paper systematically summarizes the evolution process and development effect of major metropolitan areas in China，analyzes the main problems existing in the exploration and practice of domestic metropolitan areas，and puts forward relevant countermeasures and suggestions to improve the development of metropolitan areas.