Partial discharge（PD）detection is one of the main methods to assess the insulation status of power equipment and eliminate potential defects inside the equipment. Therefore

for the purpose of improving safety and reliability of the power system

a number of technical standards have been issued in China to standardize the development of PD detection. The common detection methods for PD detection in high-voltage power equipment is described firstly in this paper

and their respective application is analyzed. Then

for different types of high-voltage electrical equipment

the domestic test guidelines followed by different PD detection methods and the technical standards for test units are reviewed by classification

and the the limitation of existing standard in China is discussed.Finally

based on the shortcomings of the current technical standards and the development of emerging PD detection technology

the requirements for future PD technical standards are prospected. It is pointed out that

with the increase of demand for intelligent detection and diagnosis

it is necessary to improve the levels of current PD technical standards and unify as well as merge the similar ones; meanwhile

the study on performance and sensitivity verification of mature PD detection means such as the ultrasonic method and the ultra-high frequency method shall be strengthened.The integrated evaluation standards based on multiple PD detection technology is also proposed to narrow dead zones. In addition

the emerging PD assessment techniques based on optical fiber sensing technologies deserves further studies and the corresponding standards shall be strengthened so to achieve an international leading position in the filed of PD detection.