ObjectiveTo analyze the methods and effects of the reformation of undergraduate course of geriatric nursing in China. MethodsIn the spring semester of 2012 and 2013, we implemented the experiential scenario teaching and autonomous group learning with simulation and heuristic teaching method, and the nursing undergraduates were given scale of Kogan's attitude toward older people and Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz 1 for investigation. The attitude to and knowledge on the elderly were compared before and after the study. Meanwhile, we also surveyed the interest in geriatric nursing among the students. ResultsThe interest in, attitude to and knowledge on the elderly among the students increased considerably after the teaching reformation. ConclusionThe undergraduate course teaching reformation of geriatric nursing with the simulation and heuristic teaching method has achieved good effects, and it can be widely used in geriatric nursing teaching in China. In the future, the reformation should focus on improving the students' professional interests and career choice.