Since 1960s,ESP has been considered one of the most significant language teaching and learning areas.In contrast with rich accumulation in both theories and practices in other countries,ESP teaching in China fell far behind the world and is still in its infancy period at present,which greatly affects the communicative ability in English of undergraduate students.This study makes a thorough investigation into ESP,especially its defining characteristics from new perspectives and also analyzes some factors which defer the shift from EGP teaching to ESP teaching.In addition,some suggestions are proposed.