The development of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) during the last 30 years has led to the evolution of the treatment in rectal neoplasms. TEM has revolutionized the technique and outcomes of transanal surgery. To our knowledge, this technique is currently the only one-port system in endoscopic surgery by which a direct endoluminal approach to the target organ by using a natural opening of the body become available. TEM affords the advantage of a less invasive transanal approach with low recurrence rates secondary to a more precise dissection due to enhanced visualization of the surgical field. Currently, TEM represents the standard treatment modality for large rectal adenomas and a surgical option in selected early rectal cancers. Its potential role in the treatment of more invasive cancer in combination with neoadjuvant therapies, and other rectal localized tumors are currently under evaluation. The current trend of TEM is favorable in China. TEM has also been increasingly used in the treatment of rectal neoplasms, but there are many problems in the development of TEM, for example, preoperative assessment is inadequate, patient selection is not precise enough, the surgical procedure is not standardized, etc. These problems require the majority of surgical colleagues to work together to make the standards scientifically and objectively in accordance with the actual situation of our country, so as to promote the healthy development and popularity of TEM in China.