Abstract: In combination with mining features of the ultra thick and thick seams in China, the paper summarized the gateway layout pattern of fully- mechanized to p coal caving mining face in China. The present gateway layout patterns of fully- mechanized top coal caving mining face in China were mainly the two gateways layout of the coal mining face and the multi gateways layout of the coal mining face. The paper stated the mine geological condition, gas deposit condition and coal mining eq uipment affected to the gateway layout pattern. In combination with the different gateway layout patterns of the fully- mechanized top coal caving mining face in Tangsh an Mine, the paper in detail explained the suitability of the different gateway layout patterns to different mine conditions.