Abstract: In this paper, the heterogeneous catalytic conversions of lignocellulose to high value-added platform compounds of levulinic acid and esters were studied. The research progress and trend of the direct conversion of lignocellulose to levulinic acid and esters using sulfate as catalytic system at home and abroad were reviewed. Firstly, the basic information of levulinic acid/esters and their application in industrial production were summarized. The preparation process of levulinic acid/esters using different sulfate catalysts was compared, and the law of the conversion of lignocellulose to levulinic acid/esters under the synergy effects of different solvent systems was deeply analyzed. And, the mechanism of direct conversion of lignocellulose catalyzed by sulfate catalysts was also summarized. Finally, the problems of existing process were discussed, and the development direction of this research field was prospected.