The nitrogen metabolism in rice determines the efficiency of nitrogen uptake, transport, and assimilation,which also affects the grain yield formation. In this paper, the nitrogen uptake and utilization in rice is described from the aspects of nitrogen uptake forms, physiological metabolism processes and the content variation of endogenous salicylic acid. To explain plants nitrogen transport, the regulation effect of salicylic acid and its possible action mode based on nitrogen metabolism. This review will provide novel ideas for rice cultivation under decreased fertilizer application and increased efficiency and environment-friendly rice cropping in agricultural production.