Abstract: The wavelengths of thermal neutrons are on the same order as the atom/molecule spacing in condensed matter, while their energyis comparable with that of atomic/molecular thermal motion. Detailed knowledge of the microscopic structure and dynamics of condensed matter can thus be obtained by means of the elastic and inelastic scattering effects of thermal neutrons. The applications of neutron scattering technology in the areas such as physics, chemistry, chemical industry, biology, and material science have already　 provided rich information that was not accessible via any other method. A brief introduction to the basic principle and characteristics of neutron scattering is given, and typical examples of its applicatios in various research areas are described.