Pyranometer measurements and two satellite-derived data sets were used to evaluate surface downward shortwave irradiance over China. Compared to pyranometer measurements, the satellite-derived data overestimated surface shortwave irradiance, particularly over large cities. These positive biases can be attributed to aerosols with absorptive properties; aerosols especially in the sub-cloud layer impact surface shortwave irradiance determinations under cloudy conditions. Satellite-derived radiation data sets are useful. However, aerosols strongly affect surface shortwave irradiance, creating discrepancies between satellite-derived data and pyranometer measurements.