Abstract: To study further the surface gathering optimization and simplification technologies suitable for the coalbed methane (CBM) field in the Qinshui Basin and realize its efficient development in the period of 13th Five-Year Plan, a series of analysis was conducted based on the statistical analysis theory in the big data analysis platform of CBM production and gathering pipe network operation. Technical difficulties were mined, the research direction was analyzed, and efforts were put forth to solve and deal with the problems and contradictions that occurred in the process of system construction and operation, e.g. "three difficulties" (land requisition difficulty, station construction difficulty, and pipeline arrangement difficulty), "three highs" (high investment, high idle rate, high energy consumption), and "three differences" of produced water (water quality difference, standard difference, water production difference). It is indicated that the key to solve the problems and contradiction of current gathering systems is to change the ground construction mode and update the design concept so as to realize the integrated ground-underground construction and conduct the flexible, expandable and controllable gathering process design. The research results are of important instruction significance to the development and construction of new blocks in the CBM field of Qinshui Basin.