Glacier mapping is steadily developing, along with the continuous expansion of glaciological research, in China. In the last 20 years we have made surveys and drawn up glacial topographic maps on large scales, of various study areas in Tianshan and the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. This paper discusses the cartographic techniques, in the form of points, lines, symbols, brush-shading, colours, etc., used to create a vivid reproduction of the special natural landscape of glaciers on maps for the use of glaciologists and other scientists. For example, variations in rock symbols may be used to show the exposed bedrock, the glacial abrasion and the cryogenetic weathering. Different colours and points are used to indicate the various depositional landforms which are also enhanced by the method of brush-shading and the use of differently coloured contour lines. In addition, the paper discusses the technical and theoretical problems of glacier mapping.