Fast and accurate fault location is the basis of fast self-healing of power grid and the basic key technology to realize intelligent power distribution network.In recent years,many scholars at home and abroad have conducted in-depth research on fault location and achieved fruitful results.The existing research on fault location of distribution network is reviewed.The fault zone positioning method using transient electrical characteristics and unsteady electrical characteristics,the fault location method based on traveling wave method,impedance method and other related parameter identification.The superiority and existing problems of all kinds of methods are reviewed.Combined with the research status at home and abroad,the development trend and the research on the future of distribution network fault location is prospected.