Abstract: The western learner autonomy concentrates on the definition of autonomy and the strategies employed by learners in idealized conditions. Chinese researchers, while introducing the theories, have mainly focused on the studies of "autonomy" concepts, the application of available strategies in Chinese setting and the evaluation of autonomous strategies. In reviewing both western and Chinese studies, the author points out that the construction of need-based multi-level-learning resources should precede autonomous learning of College English in Chinese setting.