Abstract: When the thermal stress caused by sudden temperature change of ceramic materials exceeds its strength, materials will happen to crack, peel and even fracture, and then failure. Therefore, the study of thermal shock resistance of ceramic materials becomes a hot spot. The evaluation theory of thermal shock resistance of ceramic materials and the methods for testing and characterizing are described. The methods of improving thermal shock resistance, including strengthening and toughening, improving thermal conductivity, reducing thermal expansion coefficient, and reducing elastic modulus, are reviewed. The external influencing factors of thermal shock resistance are summarized. The development direction of improving thermal shock resistance of ceramic materials in future is proposed.