Abstract: The paper gives an overview of the principles of editing and social benefits of the《Acta Geographica Sinica》 for the last fifteen years. It points out that the Journal has gained the ″Dragon Head″and ″dragon Tail″ effects in Geographic research and practice and played the part in stimulating the development of geographic science. The essential factors attributed to the dual effects are also analysed.

Key words: Acta Geographica Sinica, research and practice, stimulation