Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration system can provide effective technical means for seedling breeding and lay the foundation for genetic transformation system. In order to establish the embryogenesis and plant regeneration system of Rhus chinensis, the immature zygotic embryos of Rhus chinensis were selected as explants in this study, and the optimal conditions for the induction of primary callus, the induction and proliferation of embryonic callus as well as the induction of somatic embryo were expiored from the combination of plant growth regulators, the type of basic medium and the concentration of sucrose. Our results showed that the optimal medium for callus induction was MS+6-BA 0.2 mg/L+2,4-D 1.0 mg/L, with an induction rate of 84.57%. The newly induced callus was white or light yellow, with loose texture and smooth surface. When the callus was transferred to 1/2MS+6-BA 2 mg/L+NAA 0.5 mg/L medium for one month, the embryogenic callus with light yellow texture generated, with the induction rate up to 100%, and the multiplication of embryogenic callus on this medium was 854.73%. The embryogenic callus were transferred to MS+6-BA 0.2 mg/L+NAA 0.5 mg/L+sucrose 4% medium for one month to induce somatic embryogenesis with an induction rate of 32.67%. The somatic embryos developed into plantlets through globular embryo, heart-shaped embryo, torpedo embryo and cotyledon embryo. After trainin, sterile seedlings can be planted to the growth matrix (peat: vermiculite:perlite= 2:1:1), with survival rate of 100%. Taken together, a somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration system of Rhus chinensis was established in this study, and the survival rate of the regenerated seedlings obtained was high.