Well-known water erosion prediction models, such as USLE, RUSLE, WEPP, EROSEM, LISEM and GeoWEPP are outlined. The recently developed regional water erosion model (SEMMED), rill erosion model (RILLGROW), shallow gully erosion model (EGEM), and gully erosion model are introduced in detail. The challenges in employing these erosion models in China are discussed.