Abstract: 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is one important fine chemical raw material and one special tanning agent. The preparation of 5-HMF is a research hotspot in the field of biomass. From monosaccharides to polysaccharides, the paper reviews the current research situation of 5-HMF preparation.And the catalysts, solvent systems and 5-HMF yields were described. The advantages and disadvantages of the preparation methods of 5-HMF were analyzed and compared. It can be concluded that the use of biomass to prepare high yield of 5-HMF has a good prospect for exploration.