This paper aims to provide guidance for the transportation, storage and preservation of post-harvest citrus, and to reduce the impact of quality degradation on the citrus industry. Literatures on the intrinsic quality of citrus are collected, physiological and pathological factors that affect the intrinsic quality of citrus are summarized, the current status of citrus fruit preservation at home and abroad is summed up, a variety of new citrus quality maintenance techniques are described, and comparisons among them are made. The intrinsic quality evaluation methods of citrus mainly focus on the evaluation of a few important indicators. But it lacks comprehensive evaluation methods to reflect the intrinsic quality of citrus. the infection of penicillium and green mold as well as the anaerobic respiration are the main reasons for the deterioration of citrus quality during storage. Physical preservation methods face problems such as equipment's huge energy consumption and serious space waste. Traditional chemical preservatives, especially pesticide citrus preservatives, have risks of polluting the environment and harming human health. Therefore, it is particularly important to seek methods which are environmentally friendly and efficiency for preservation. New citrus preservation methods still need further experimental research, and it is of great significance to accelerate the research progress of citrus preservation.