Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Common therapies in the treatment of CAD are invasive, insufficient and pose additional risks in patients with advanced refractory CAD. Cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) is a safe and effective non-invasive intervention in the management of patients with refractory CAD. In this article, we briefly outline our work in animals and humans, and discuss the advantages and perspectives of CSWT in China.