The work aims to summarize the research progress of the properties and surface modification method of poly-p-phenylene benzobisthiazole fiber (PBO fiber). The mechanical property, thermal stability, chemical stability and light stability of PBO fiber, etc. were briefly introduced. The surface modification method of PBO fiber was elaborated in such aspects as chemical surface etching, coupling treatment, plasma treatment, radiation treatment and biological carrier treatment. The properties of PBO fibers were excellent, but the surface of PBO fiber needed to be modified because of its extremely strong chemical inertia. Various kinds of modification methods had their respective advantages and disadvantages. Currently, the surface modification method of PBO fiber still has many shortcomings. An environmentally-friendly and efficient modification method is required be found.