A lateral annular slit charge was proposed in order to improve cutting effect in hard rock tuunels. Firstly， the blasting effects of the charge were analyzed theoretically. Then， the distributions of blasting strain and blasting crack after the charge blasting were studied through the model experiments. Finally， field tests were implemented to explore the applied efficacy of the charge. Results showed that the lateral annular slit charge could induce an energy accumulation effect at the slit position， which results in the rock mass at the slit position being subjected to stronger blasting loads and thus having stronger crack propagation ability. The lateral annular slit tube could reduce the blasting strain in the non-slit direction and increase the blasting strain in the slit direction. The strain distribution characteristic proves the energy accumulation phenomenon in the slit direction of the lateral annular slit charge. According to the macroscopic crack propagation， the crack propagation ability of lateral annular slit charge in the slit direction has been significantly improved. Compared with conventional column charge cutting blasting technique， the lateral annular slit charge cutting blasting technique could improve drivage efficiency and reduce cost in hard rock tunnels， which verifys that the lateral annular slit charge is preferred in hard rock tunnel cutting blasting.