Synchrotron radiation (SR) is a special novel light source with a continuous spectrum ranging from far infrared, visible, ultraviolet to X-ray regions. In view of the advantages of high brightness, broad spectra and high polarization, SR-based technologies, especially X-ray technologies [X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray micro computed tomography (X-μCT)], have been broadly applied to the analysis and conservation of cultural relics and to archeological research. This paper summarizes relevant studies in China using existing SR-based X-ray devices for the study of cultural relics, and also compares prospects with frontier foreign research.