Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is the main subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in China. PCV differs from typical neovascular AMD in terms of epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, and natural disease course. Recent studies suggest that, in addition to the traditional drusen-driven mechanism, PCV may also be associated with pachychoroid mechanism, which is particularly more common in Asian populations. In-depth pathological research will help uncover the pathogenesis of PCV and explore the intrinsic connections between PCV and other choroidal diseases. Due to the rarity of eye specimens from PCV patients, there is limited pathological research, and results can vary. Herein, this article summarize the controversial issues regarding the location level, origin, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of PCV lesions by introducing our latest clinicopathologic study on PCV and combining with previous studies in China and worldwide. First, the layer of PCV lesions. Clinically, OCT imaging shows that PCV lesions are located between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the hyperreflective line of Bruch membrane, making them a special subtype of type I choroidal neovascularization. Some pathological studies suggest that PCV lesions are located within Bruch membrane, but in fact, PCV lesions are more accurately located beneath the RPE basement membrane. Second, the origin of the branching vascular networks (BVN). Pathological analysis of postmortem eye specimens indicates that BVN originates from choroidal arteries, and after passing through Bruch membrane, they transform into thin-walled capillaries, forming type I choroidal neovascularization. A few studies suggest that PCV may result from dilation of choroidal vein, accompanied with vein stasis. Third, VEGF expression in PCV lesions. VEGF is a key pathogenic factor in neovascular AMD. Some studies show increased VEGF expression in PCV lesions, suggesting that PCV may share a similar pathogenic mechanism with neovascular AMD. However, other studies have found negative VEGF expression in PCV lesions, indicating that the mechanism of PCV may not be entirely dependent on VEGF. In conclusion, the pathological features of PCV are complex, showing both similarities to neovascular AMD and characteristics of pachychoroid. With the increasing awareness of eye donation, more valuable eye specimens are expected to be obtained in the future, providing support for further ex;ploration of the pathogenesis of PCV and offering more effective strategies for its clinical diagnosis and treatment.