Maize is the first major crop in China and in the world, it plays an important role in eausuring China's food security. At present, in the face of the rapid development of economic society and a series of problems such as population growth and land reduction, resources shortage and ecological environment deterioration, maize cultivation science is facing new historic opportunities and challenges. In this crucial historical juncture, it is of great significance to review the scientific research and technical progress of maize cultivation in China and to explore the future development direction. Analysis shows that, the aim of maize cultivation research has been transformed from yield production to collaborative development of high yield, high quality, high efficiency, eco-friendly, security and other goals after 60 years of efforts. The research contents were gradually widened and further deepened with remarkable Chinese characteristics. Since entering into the 21th century, the research of maize cultivation has entered a golden development stage. In this stage, a series of breakthroughs in maize cultivation theory, key technology innovation and application have been achieved, which have taken a positive role in ensuring China's food security. According to the demand of maize production for science and technology in the future and the development trend of modern science and technology, this article indicated that, in the future, high quality, high efficiency, eco-friendly, security will still be the main objectives of maize cultivation. In this article, the key directions and tasks of maize cultivation research in the next 20 years were put forward: (1) Continue to explore the potential of maize yield in different ecological areas and technologies that can realize these potentials, and make every effort to raise the level of yield per unit; (2) Transform the mode of production and take the improving efficiency of resource utilization and labor productivity as goals, reduce the production costs, improve product quality and the market competitiveness of maize; to develop silage and fresh maize so as to promote the diversified development of maize production; (3) In order to respond to the global climate change, carry out the theoretical and technological researches on yield stability and anti-disaster to realize the sustainable production of maize; (4) Based on modern information technology to carry out the researches of intelligent cultivation technology to achieve maize precise production and management; (5) Strengthen the basic researches of maize cultivation and tamp the researches on maize science and technology and the basement of maize production.