[Objective] The researches and existing problems on fan-shaped lands were reviewed in order to provide methods and suggestions for reasonable classification of fan-shaped lands and differentiation of geomorphic entities. [Methods] Through literature review, the concept, naming, geomorphology, surface environment and utilization characteristics of different fan-shaped lands were summarized, and their differences were analyzed. [Results] The existing researches have not formed a consistent concept and types for different fan-shaped lands. Some studies have confused the concept and naming of pluvial fan, diluvial fan and debris flow fan. The main difference between fluvial fan and the diluvial fan is that the fluvial fan generally has constant flow, and the flow channel is mostly fixed, but the diluvial fan is opposite. The methods for judging different fan-shaped landforms mainly include geographic distribution, landform feature, remote sensing image and field investigation. [Conclusion] Clarifying the type, surface environmental characteristics and regional background environment of fan-shaped lands would be beneficial to rational development, utilization and protection of fan-shaped lands.