Starting with the superiority and applicability of studying rice genetic diversity by SSR, this paper overviewed the research progress in constructing and evaluation of core collection, genetic structure, origin and evolution of rice. Summarized the zonal character of genetic diversity in rice (Yunnan was the richest center of genetic and gene diversity of rice in China; the west southern had richest japonica rice varieties genetic diversity and the japonica rice varieties genetic diversity of southern rice region rice area was higher than that of northern rice region), the genetic diversity was closely related with ecological and geographical location, present rice varieties genetic base was narrow and rice genetic diversity was decreasing etc. The genetic diversity cause and influence factors were analyed. The breeding behavior influenced rice genetic diversity was being specifically pointed out, which made the rice genetic diversity decrease. And it offered the countermeasures for current narrow genetic diversity of rice.