Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major malignancy threatening the health of people in China, which also leads to heavy social burden. A large number of researches and practices have demonstrated that screening and early detection are effective in reducing the mortality of CRC. It is therefore imperative to design guidelines for the screening, early detection and early treatment of CRC that are in line with national conditions of China based on international guideline development standard. In 2020, under the leadership of the National Cancer Center of China, a multidisciplinary guideline development group was established. The development of the guideline followed the principles and methods recommended by the World Health Organization. The guideline provides detailed recommendations for thirteen key clinical questions to which the professionals who are involved in screening, early detection and early treatment of colorectal cancer paid close attention. The guideline is intended to serve as a tool for professionals providing best decision-making on screening, early detection and early treatment of CRC and to enhance the effectiveness of CRC prevention and control in China.