The large areas of red soils in south China are critical food-producing and industrial crops producing regions for China. However, agriculture therein is seriously limited by the growing soil acidification and aluminum toxicity. Evidence indicated that soil acidification and aluminum toxicity become more and more serious in recent years. Soil acidification and aluminum toxicity in this area are mainly caused by acid deposition, fertilization, intensive agriculture and monoculture. Recent reports in red soil acidification and aluminum toxicity in south China, and its major cause were analyzed in depth in this review. Furthermore, preventive measures, such as controlling acid precipitation, administrating the use of fertilizers, applying reasonable cultivation measures were suggested.