The ten-thousand-ton free forging hydraulic press is the typical heavy forging equipment to produce large high-quality forgings.In 2008,the operating system reconstruction of the 30,000t hydraulic press was successfully accomplished by Southwest Aluminum Processing Plant and researchers from Central South University after over 20 years’ experimental study modeled on the 10,000t hydraulic press,which greatly improved production efficiency and realized the technology upgrading from traditional machines to intelligent electromechanical equipment.Therefore,to deepen understanding and analysis of the experience and lessons in the reconstruction process would contribute to directing future development of China’s thousands-ton hydraulic press.Based on literature and interview research,this essay systematically investigated the history of China’s thousands-ton hydraulic press from nothing to the best of the world,of which the focus are difficulties encountered in research,manufacture and renovation of the 30,000t hydraulic press and researchers’ approaches to overcome the difficulties.Close analysis suggested the importance of hydraulic press in national defense industry and economy.Yet,the essay also argued and predicted that future development of China’s hydraulic press relies on breakthroughs in isothermal forging technology and partial loaded forging technology.