This review focuses on the sedimentary records of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in China and the worldwide. We provide a global image of sedimentary record of PAHs in different regions, including their contents, vertical profiles, and possible sources. Generally, historical PAHs recorded in China, dominated by biomass burning and domestic coal combustion, are moderate on the global scale with an upward trend while elevated levels of historical PAHs are usually found in developed countries with a downward trend. This review ends with some concerns about historical PAHs in sediments and some directions deserved further efforts.