Abstract: The rice varieties, characterized by the compact panicle type have been developed and used in the production during recent two decades in Zhejiang province, showing the significant role in yield potential improvement. The morphology and the eco-physiological properties of the compact panicle type rice were outlined, mainly analyzing the effects of this plant on field microclimate, production and transportation of dry matter, yield components, occurrence of rice false smut and rice quality, and grain-filling characters. The main issues have been proposed for further research of the compact panicle type rice, including continuous innovations of plant types and germplasms for rice breeding, comparative studies on relationship between the resource and sink, on differences in rice quality formation and their mechanisms among varieties with different plant type.