The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), first reported in Taiwan Island, is one of the most destructive pests of fruits and vegetables around the world, causing huge economic losses each year. In mainland China, it was first recorded in 1930s, and since the 1980s its population size increased rapidly with the distribution expanding to a broad range. Moreover, it is continuing to spread northwards. In order to prevent its spread and reduce damage, great efforts have been made to clarify its ecological and physiological adaptation and to develop control methods. Here, we first review the invasion history of B. dorsalis, ecological and physiological mechanisms underlying its invasion, and research advances obtained in major biological features. We focus on problems and factors that are related to its invasion in China. Subsequently, we introduce the major managing approaches that have been or will be potentially employed in China, including quarantine, monitoring, physical control, biological control, sterile insect technique and RNA interference. Finally, we propose directions for future research.