The study employs bibliometric methods to search key studies in the last two decades on the application of VR technology in English language teaching from two databases CNKI and WOS through keyword search, resulting in 26 research articles in Chinese and 61 research articles in English. Through visual comparative analysis and content analysis, VR technology-based English language teaching studies in China and abroad can be divided into three stages: its origin, the development and the boom. In addition, the studies in China and abroad differ in research content and research methods. A comparative visual analysis reveals that VR technology-based English language teaching research abroad started early and have been more empirical while studies in China are usually introduction to application of VR technology in English language teaching and its impact on education. The study predicts that future hot research topics in China will be the application of VR technology-based studies in both ESP and language skill trainings.