[Objective] In order to provide references for urban soil and water conservation and the concerned researches in China, the concept, hazard, causes, characteristics and countermeasures of urban soil and water loss were summarized. The existing problems and future research direction of urban soil and water conservation were analyzed. [Methods] Based on many years of research experiences and some concerned literatures, the research achievements of urban soil and water loss and soil and water conservation domestic and abroad were comprehensively analyzed. [Results] ① The concept of urban soil and water loss contains two kinds of driving forces: natural and artificial, two main bodies of soil and water loss, two spatial distribution include urban and surrounding areas, and surface and underground areas. ② The hazards of urban soil and water loss mainly include pipeline deposition, wind sand and dust, water source pollution, resource decline, environmental damage, and so on. ③ The prevention and control measures of urban soil and water loss mainly include the aspects of law, mechanism, propaganda, supervision, concurrent treatment and scientific research. [Conclusion] People’s understanding of urban soil and water loss is still insufficient, and the theory, technology and legal system of urban soil and water conservation need to be improved. Urban water and soil loss and water and soil conservation should be carried out further in terms of theoretical research, application optimization and experience extension.