With the rapid development of urban construction in recent years, rectangular pipe jacking method is applied more and more in the field of municipal transportation projects. Based on the analysis and summarizing of related literature and documents at home and abroad, this paper analyzes the technical foundation, mechanical equipment, technological development and research status of modern rectangular pipe jacking method. Some typical rectangular pipe jacking cases at home and abroad are also introduced briefly. The application conditions, advantages and problems of rectangular pipe jacking method are summarized.