The planation surface occupies a large area and its formation spans a long-time scale. It is an important content and basic theoretical problem in geomorphology research. In this article, the basic concepts, related theories and development history of the three main types of planation surfaces, i.e. peneplain, pediment, and etchplain, were briefly reviewed. Then, based on the relationship between planation surface and strata, the chronological study of overlying and underlying strata, and some comprehensive chronological methods were briefly introduced. The respective and combined influence of tectonic movement and climate change on the development, final formation and disintegration of planation surface were deeply analyzed. Finally, the progress of planation surface research in China, especially in North China was elaborated, and the research on the evolution process of the Tangxian surface in the northern Zhongtiao Shan in the southern Shanxi Graben System was introduced in detail.