Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a common complex disease characterized by progressive and incomplete reversible airflow limitation. COPD is one of the leading causes on morbidity and mortality in China. Genetic risk factors play important roles on the occurrence of COPD. However, the genetic risk factors of COPD remain unknown, to some extent. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview on literature concerning the most promising findings related to genetic risk factors of COPD.