<p>The spatial distribution of the attenuation of photosynthetic active radiation (K<sub>d</sub>(PAR)) was routinely estimated in China lakes and reservoirs. Higher mean value of K<sub>d</sub>(PAR) was observed in Northeastern plain and mountainous region (NER). A linear model is used to predict K<sub>d</sub>(PAR), as a function of light absorption coefficient of pigment particulates (a<sub>phy</sub>), colored dissolved organic matters (a<sub>CDOM</sub>), and inorganic particulate matters (a<sub>NAP</sub>): K<sub>d</sub>(PAR) = 0.41 + 0.57 × a<sub>CDOM</sub> + 0.96 × a<sub>NAP</sub> + 0.57 × a<sub>phy</sub> (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.87, n = 741, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Spatial K<sub>d</sub>(PAR) was relatively dependent on the inorganic particulate matters (average relative contribution of 57.95 %). When only consider the contribution of absorption of a<sub>OACs</sub> to K<sub>d</sub>(PAR), the results found that the a<sub>OACs</sub> could explain 70 %–87 % of K<sub>d</sub>(PAR) variations. In the lakes with low TSM concentration and non-eutrophic lakes with high TSM, a<sub>CDOM</sub> was the most powerful predicting factor on K<sub>d</sub>(PAR). In eutrophic lakes with high TSM, a<sub>NAP</sub> had the most significant impact on K<sub>d</sub>(PAR). This study allowed K<sub>d</sub>(PAR) to be predicted from a<sub>OACs</sub> values in the inland waters. Besides, results of this study are suggesting that new studies on the variability of K<sub>d</sub>(PAR) in inland waters must consider the hydrodynamic conditions, trophic status and the distribution of optically active components within the water column.</p>