Six species of bumblebees, Bombus hypocrite, B. patagiatus, B. ignites, B. lucorum, B. pyrosoma and B. picipes, were investigated in North China from the year 2005 to 2007. The results showed that their geographic distribution patterns were quite different, and B. pyrosoma has the widest distribution area among of them, while B. picipes is the narrowest. Their vertical distribution patterns were different too. B. ignitus distributed in the lower altitude region, while B. lucorum distributed in the higher altitude zone; but they all occurred from 1 300 m   to 1 800 m. The annual activity period of B. pyrosoma is the longest among the 6 species for 180 d, while that of B. ignitus is the shortest for 140 d. The foraging plants of these bumblebees involved 63 species belonging to 17 families. Bumblebees have their own favorite plants of 4 families (Leguminosae, Compositae, Rosaceae and Labiatae).