Abstract: Rare earth nanomaterials have many advantages in light，electricity and magnetism，owing to unique physical and chemical properties. In this paper，recent developments of preparing rare earth nano-materials，including microemulsion method，hydrothermal method，sol-gel method，combustion method，precipitation method，electrochemistry method，template method and electrochemistry method are reviewed and the merits and limitations of each technology are analyzed. The research direction in the future is presented according to the latest research progress.