[Objective] The objective of this study is to analyze the temporal and spatial distributions of debris flow of China railways in order to provide basis for debris disaster prevention of China railway. [Methods] Based on the debris flow disaster data of China railway during 1951—1996, the frequency, spatio-temporal distribution and their dynamic characteristics were analyzed. [Results] During the period of 1951—1996, there were 17.5 times debris flow disaster events each year in China railway, and among them, 3.8 times were serious debris flow disaster events. The most serious debris flow disaster events occurred in the year of 1964, 1979 and 1981. The debris flow disasters mainly took place from June to August(account for 90%), and August was the peak season(account for 40.2%). As to the regional distribution of debris flow disasters of China railway, the disasters mainly occurred in Southwest, Northwest and North China. The most disaster events occurred in Longhai line, and followed by the Dongchuan, Chengkun and Baocheng lines. [Conclusion] Debris flow disaster is the result of various internal and external factors. Except for factors such as heavy rain, bad terrain and geological conditions, human activities are the main causes for debris flow disaster.