Freshwater shellfish resources are abundant in China. More than 470 species of freshwater shellfish have been recorded and are widely distributed in lakes, rivers and intermountain wetlands in China. Among them, the unique germplasm resources are very rich where the proportion of specific shellfish species in all major river systems in China is higher than 50%. Freshwater shellfish not only play an important role in the ecosystem, but also have great economic value. The resources of freshwater pearl mussel Hyriopsis cumingii, Cristaria plicata, as well as some edible shellfish, Sinotaia quadrata, Corbicula fluminea, etc. are fully exploited. However, due to the wide distribution and diverse habitats of freshwater shellfish, some other freshwater shellfish are only investigated and identified. On the whole, the germplasm resources assessment of freshwater shellfish in China is not systematic enough, and the protection, development and utilization of freshwater shellfish have not been paid enough attention. Therefore, in this paper, the species diversity and regional distribution of freshwater mollusks, the sustainable development and utilization of freshwater shellfish germplasm resources, the status quo of introduced freshwater shellfish germplasm resources and the current protection measures of freshwater mollusks germplasm resources in China were summarized, and then, some suggestions on the protection and sustainable utilization of freshwater shellfish germplasm resources were put forward. It is expected to promote the synergistic development of protection, exploitation and utilization of freshwater shellfish resources in China.