This paper reviews the birth and development of eco-city research by means of historical analysis and literature search. It elaborates the concepts, connotations and principles of scholars both at home and abroad. By comparing the research and practice differences between domestic and foreign eco-city construction, it reviews the various indicators and research progress applied in the current eco-city construction in foreign countries. It systematically sorts out the characteristics of eco-city construction practice in China and points out the main problems in the construction of China's eco-city.