Abstract: With the continuous improvement of the concept of green synthesis, transition metal catalysts with high catalytic activity, stability and low price replacing strong oxidizers and precious metal catalysts to catalyze the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural(HMF) to prepare fine chemicals gradually become the focus of the researchers. This article reviewed recent researches on the use of cheap transition metal-based catalysts to catalyze the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF) to 2, 5-furandicarbaldehyde(FDCA). The latest research in this field was described, with emphasis on introducing. The application of manganese-based, copper-based, iron/cobalt-based, nickel-based and other catalytic systems, such as manganese-based metal oxide, CuCl₂ catalytic system, Fe₃O₄-CoO_x magnetic catalyst, etc, in the HMF oxidation reaction were discussed. In addition, on the basis of the introduction of the above-mentioned catalysts, the development prospects of cheap transition metal-based catalysts catalyzed by HMF oxidation to prepare FDCA were also prospected.