This paper presents an overview of the recent important developments in the field of atmospheric boundary layer physics at the State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC) of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences over the last 4 years (2009-2012). It focuses on theoretical, experimental, and numerical studies of the atmospheric boundary layer, as well as the development of an ultrasonic anemometer/thermometer (UAT-2). Some future research prospects are also presented in this paper.