The work aims to systematically review the properties of chitosan, the preparation methods of chitosan films, and the research results of the application of chitosan films in food packaging at home and abroad, so as to provide method guidance for the development of chitosan food packaging films with excellent degradability, antibacterial properties, oxidation resistance, barrier properties and mechanical properties. The properties of chitosan, the preparation technology of chitosan food packaging film and the factors that affect the performance of chitosan food packaging film were summarized. The research status of chitosan food packaging in China was mainly discussed. The results showed that adding proteins, phenols and other natural extracts to the film formulation could improve the physical and mechanical properties, barrier properties, oxidation resistance and antibacterial properties of chitosan composite film. Chitosan has a good development and application prospect in the field of food packaging film based on its own degradability and antibacterial properties. However, according to the current research results and the problems in the practical application of chitosan composite film, the production process and comprehensive performance of chitosan food packaging film still need to be improved.