Biological corrosion is one of the corrosion forms of steel, which is the most concerned and popular research topic nowadays. The concept and connotation of bio-corrosion and corrosion of organisms on steel as well as protection were accurately defined by literature review, and the research history of bio-corrosion of steel in China was reviewed. The literature on bio-corrosion of steel and prevention was classified and summarized, and the mechanism of bio-corrosion of steel in China was reviewed. The methods of steel bio-corrosion and prevention in China were summarized, including field observation and description, statement research, review research, experimental research, empirical analysis, literature review, cause analysis, prediction research and comparative study. The main research contents of steel bio-corrosion in China were reviewed, including the classification of steel bio-corrosion, the causes of steel bio-corrosion, the mechanism of steel bio-corrosion, the behavior of steel bio-corrosion and the protection of steel bio-corrosion. With reference to the foreign research status, the advantages and disadvantages of China‘s research were objectively evaluated compared with those of foreign countries, and it was pointed out that the starting point of the research was in two aspects. First, the coupling mechanism of various corrosion factors was not explored in depth; Secondly, the long-term protection technology of ecological environment protection was required to be further studied. Finally, the research direction of bio-corrosion of steel and prevention in China are prospected.