Abstract: The retrieved results by GMS 5/VISSR thermal infrared data with single time/dual channel split window algorithm reveal the characteristics of diurnal and seasonal variation of clear sky land surface temperature (LST)of several representative land surface types in China, including Talimu Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Hunshandake Sands, the northern Plain of China and the southern China. The seasonal variation of clear-sky LST in above areas varies distinctly for different surface albedo, soil water content and the extent of influence by solar radiation. The monthly average diurnal ranges of LST have two peaks and two valleys in one year. The characteristics of LST in most land of East Asia and that of sea surface temperature (SST) in the south of Taiwan Strait and the Yellow Sea were also analyzed as comparison. Talimu Basin and Hunshandake Sands have not only considerable LST diurnal cycle but also have remarkable seasonal variation. In 2000, the maximum monthly average diurnal ranges of LST in both areas are over 30 K, and the annual range in Hunshadake Sands reaches 58.50 K. Seasonal variation of LST in QinghaiTibet Plateau is less than those in East Asia,Talimu Basin and Hunshandake Sands. However, the maximum diurnal range exists in this area. The yearly average diurnal range is 28.05 K in 2000. The characteristics of diurnal, seasonal and annual variation from 1998 to 2000 were also shown in this research. All of the results will be valuable to the research of climate change, radiation balance and estimation for the change of land surface types.