The use of GFRP to replace the rebars in the retaining structures of shield launching/arriving shafts can not only ensure the safety of the retaining structures, but also can minimize the safety risks in shield boring due to the canceling of the manual dismantling of the retaining structures during shield machine launching and arriving. The characteristics, application method and application effect of GFRP in the retaining structures of the shield launching/arriving shafts are introduced in this paper, which can provide reference for the design and construction of similar works in the future.