Based on the next-generation global resolution ERA-Interim reanalysis data released by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of cloud water (The general designation of cloud water content,cloud liquid water content,and cloud ice water content) in China from 1979 to 2016 have been analyzed by applying the methods of nine-point smoothing and one-dimensional linear regression. The results were shown as follows: (1) Cloud liquid water content and cloud water content in China are mainly located in the eastern part of Sichuan-Hunan,located at 850 ~ 500 hPa in the vertical direction,with the amount of 0.015 ~ 0.045 g·kg~(-1). This distribution is closely related to the enrichment of stratus over the area. The large value of cloud ice water content is mainly located in the middle and eastern part of China (27°N-35°N,97°E-110°E), located at 500 ~ 250 hPa in the vertical direction,with the amount of 0.006 ~0.025 g·kg~(-1). The small values are all located in the western part of the Northwest China. (2) There is no obvious annual trend of the vertical integral of cloud water in China. The seasonal average cloud water in spring is slightly decreased,and the cloud water is increased slightly in autumn and winter. There is no obvious cloud water trend in summer. In addition,cloud water content in China has obvious interannual variation characteristics,with smallest variation in summer. The interannual variability of cloud liquid water content in arid and semiarid regions is greater than that in wet regions. In contrast,the interannual variability of cloud ice water content in arid and semiarid regions is less than that in wet regions. The spatial variation of cloud water is increased in the west of China and decreased in the east of China. (3) The more cloud liquid water content and cloud ice water content are corresponded to stronger water vapor convergence and an uplift motion in the lower layer. This indicates that the water vapor flux divergence in the middle and lower troposphere can characterize the value of cloud water content. This study aims to provide a basis for understanding the impact of climate change on water resources in China.