This study aims to analyze how the history of mathematics is used in Chinese mathematics textbooks. As a framework for analysis, we categorized nine types of using the history of mathematics in textbooks. We analyzed 18 mathematics textbooks for Chinese elementary and middle schools. As a result, we found that various types of using the history of mathematics were adopted in Chinese textbooks except for explorations of mathematical errors in history. We also noticed three characteristics: preference to using for motivation and reading matters in elementary school levels, high frequencies of using problems from traditional mathematical books and origins of mathematical concepts or symbols, and emphasis on ethnic superiority through the Chinese traditional mathematics. Based on the results of analysis, we discussed and induced some implications for using the history in our mathematics textbooks.