The Journal of Vibration and Shock was founded in 1982, with the esteemed Chinese mechanical engineer and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mr. Hu Haichang, appointed as the inaugural editor-in-chief. Guided by a committee comprising more than forty distinguished professors and experts, the journal swiftly became one of China's pioneering nationwide publications in the field of vibration. Its distribution extended across twenty-nine provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions.

The Journal of Vibration and Shock is jointly organized by the Chinese Society for Vibration Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the Shanghai Society of Vibration Engineering. It serves as a comprehensive platform for reflecting upon and exchanging achievements and experiences in vibration, shock, and noise across a multitude of domains, including mechanics, aerospace, shipbuilding, vehicles, machinery, construction, hydraulics, power, mining, chemical engineering, metallurgy, instrumentation, marine engineering, light industry, and environmental protection. The journal covers a wide range of topics including structural dynamics analysis, modal analysis, parameter identification, random vibration, nonlinear vibration, vibration control, rotor dynamics, structural dynamics, structural dynamic stability, vibration reduction, isolation, shock resistance, noise prevention, environmental testing, simulation technology, testing technology, signal processing, computer software engineering, and silencer materials.

This journal is recognized as a national core journal and is indexed in several databases including the Chinese Science Citation Database, American Ei Compendex, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Physics Database, China Science Periodical Database, Wanfang Data System Technology Journal Group, and Chinese Science Abstracts. The journal reflects the latest achievements, theories, and methodologies in the field of vibration and shock engineering in China. It prioritizes the publication of research results from projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, particularly focusing on cutting-edge topics.

In 2007, the Journal of Vibration and Shock transitioned from being published bimonthly to monthly, with approximately 45 papers published per issue, totaling 540 to 600 papers annually. Subsequently, in 2012, it shifted to a semi-monthly publication, featuring 38 papers per issue and a total annual publication of 912 papers. Additionally, the journal periodically releases special issues or supplements showcasing outstanding papers presented at academic conferences organized by various professional committees of the Chinese Society for Vibration Engineering and the Shanghai Society of Vibration Engineering. Its primary sections include "Papers", "Reviews", "Research Briefs", "Experimental Research", "Engineering Applications", and "Vibration Space". The distribution of the 'Journal of Vibration and Shock' is managed by the Shanghai Post Distribution Bureau, available for subscription at post offices nationwide, and its international distribution is overseen by the China Publishing and Media Holdings Company.