An introduction of the main reanalysis data of NCEP, ECMWF, JMA and the preliminary comparison among them are given from the following aspects: (1) assimilation systems, including the assimilation module and method; (2) the data used in the reanalysis; and (3) the methods of quality control and bias correction. The main assimilation methods of all reanalysis datasets include the 3D variational method, 4D variational method, and optimum interpolation. The dominating differences of these reanalysis datasets are data types and the resolution of modules. In addition, the advantages and deficiencies of these reanalysis datasets are given by empirical analysis. It is helpful for selecting the correct reanalysis dataset. The advances in reanalysis in China ars introduced simply and some problems on the improvement of the reanalysis in China are discussed.