In order to have a deep understanding of the research status of sports sports culture in China, 154 Chinese literatures collected in CNKI database from 1988 to 2021 were used as data sources and CiteSpace (5.8.R3) software was used for visual analysis to draw the knowledge map of sports sports culture research in China. The research topics and hot spots are described and analyzed. The results showed that: (1) the literature in years with high publication volume in sports cultural research field was significantly influenced by policy orientation. (2) The concept and characteristics of national traditional sports culture, competitive sports culture, ice and snow sports culture and sports culture are the research topics in this field. (3) The cultural research of sports events in China is “extensive” rather than “precise”, the research level is relatively shallow, and there are few interdisciplinary studies. Suggestions: Deepen the research level, improve the scientific level of research, build up the characteristic culture system, in order to promote the development of sports culture in China.