Abstract: Embryonic diapause, a period of embryonic suspension at the blastocyst stage, is a reversible state during which there is minimal cell division and greatly reduced metabolism, and development is put on hold. Yet there are no ill effects for the pregnancy when it eventually continues under appropriate conditions. As one of the important reproductive strategies to ensure the survival of offspring, embryonic diapause has been widely reported in rodents, carnivores and marsupials. Two forms of embryo diapause found among animal species classified as the facultative diapause induced by physiological conditions and the obligate diapause occurring during every gestation period of the species, respectively. Multiple factors can induce diapause, including temperature, sunshine duration, and animal body hormone levels, et al. The objective of this paper is to summarize the classification, regulatory factors and molecular mechanisms of embryonic diapause and explore the future application prospects to provide references for further researching of embryo diapause.