This paper reviews 20-years of research on the management of insect pests of cotton in China since the beginning of the 21^st century. Three aspects are covered: population succession, the evolution of resistance in target pests to Bt cotton, and chemical communication between cotton plants, insect pests and natural enemies. Key prevention and control technologies, such as forecasting, the utilization of insect-resistant crops, ecological regulation, physical trapping, chemical attractants, biological control and chemical control, are summarized. The innovative application of green control technology systems is discussed focusing on two major pests, the cotton bollworm and mirid bugs. Finally, the outlook for future research on the management of insect pests of cotton is discussed based on the development of the layout of cotton plantations in China.