This paper reviews the main progress made in the research of basic magnesium sulfate cement (BMSC) in the past ten years, including the preparation technology, hydration and hardening characteristics and mechanism, material properties of BMSC, etc. There is close relationship between the properties, composition, and microstructure of BMSC-based materials. The prospect of applying BMSC in structural reinforcement, protective coatings, military installation, waste solidification and other fields is also introduced. The discussion and outlook on the challenges faced by BMSC research and application are presented. It is believed that BMSC-based materials can be used as functional materials in the engineering field, but? many scientific problems still need to be solved.