Abstract: Objective To investigate the service system of geriatric nursing in Shanghai, and make suggestions for its development. Methods Ultimately 28 articles were included by searching publications in relation to aged care legislation, establishment of geriatric nursing institution, aged care personnel training, construction of aged care service system etc. in "Med & Tech" of CNKI from January 2010 to December 2014. Results China has not yet formulated systematic and specific laws and regulations on geriatric nursing. Although facilities and equipment configuration for geriatric nursing care in Shanghai can meet the basic needs of the hospitalized elderly in basic medical services, the current allocation is uneven in aged care and pension beds, and grading affirmation and promotion training among aged care personnel are lacking in standardization, systematicness, consistency and specification. In view of this situation, Shanghai municipal government proposed to explore and develop the "9073" pension service pattern. Conclusion By comparing current situation of geriatric nursing between Shanghai and developed countries, it is held that the whole framework for aged care legal system needs to complete and perfect its systematicness and specification. The configuration for aged care institutions should be concerned with both science and humanity. On the question of pension beds, the concept and standard of "nursing for the aged" and "providing for the aged" should be differentiated. We must attach great importance to aged care professional education and training. Overseas mode in this regard is worthy of our reference. The construction of the aged care service system needs to mobilize the whole society to work on jointly.