function zoning of nature reserves is a very important process in nature reserves construction and management. Currently function zones of nature reserves in China adopt in mode of "core zone-buffer zone -experimental zone" suggested by Man and Biosphere Reserve. In this paper, progress summarization about function zoning method, problems and difficulties in function zoning were analyzed. Currently five types of function zoning method, containing species distribution modeling (SDM), landscape suitability evaluation (LSE), cluster analysis, least-cost distance analysis and irreplaceability analysis, were introduced. Different methods had different application scopes. SDM an LSE emphasized on natural resources and biodiversity conservation, without consideration on human activity and resources utilization. The other three methods considered both biodiversity conservation and resources utilization. Some problems existed in current function zoning practices. One was lacking effective method of function zoning for different types of nature reserves in different area. Another one was inadequate background data and material for function zoning. The other was static function zoning patterns, and inharmony between nature reserves. Measures corresponding to these problems were also proposed. Analysis in this paper will provide scientific basis for improvement of function zoning in Chinas' nature reserves.