Abstract: 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is one of the most important biomass-based platform molecules and widely used in the preparation of multifunctional compounds such as fine chemicals, key pharmaceutical intermediates, functional polyesters, solvents and liquid fuels. At present, the preparation of HMF is a hot spot in the field of biomass research, and the raw materials and methods for preparing HMF have been continuously expanded. This paper reviews the main preparation methods and research progress of HMF. Catalysis systems for HMF preparation is systematically described, including the types of the catalysts (mineral acids, ionic liquids, metal chlorides, solid acids and others) used in the catalytic process and the solvent systems. Then, the preparation paths and applications of important derivatives from HMF are summarized. Finally, suggestions for future research on HMF are provided based on the understanding of problems existing in the current research.