Abstract: Focused on scientific utilization of underground space in coal mines,the capacity of underground space in China is analysed systematically for promotion of underground space utilization. The distribution diagrams of available underground space in producing coal mines,available underground space in coal mines within 50 km far from prefec- ture-level cities and available underground space of tunnels in closing coal mines are produced for the first time. Based on a method proposed for identification and estimation of underground space,volume of available underground space in coal mines is estimated in the paper. A condition of surround rocks is evaluated for various functions of development and utilization of underground space. Then six design principles and four design concepts are proposed for development and utilization of underground space in the paper. New orientations,technologies and conceptualization for development and utilization of underground space are also suggested in a systematic viewpoint. In addition,on the basis of volume of underground space,closing sequence of coal mines and construction conditions in Western Beijing,the idea of develop- ment and utilization of underground space of coal mines in Western Beijing is proposed as a typical case in the paper.