Abstract:Eriocheir sinensis, commonly known as river crab and hairy crab, is a unique and precious aquatic product in China. Due to the great difference of geographical environment and breeding mode in various habitats, the well-known brand of E. sinensis is of higher value. However, the phenomenon of counterfeiting crabs of fake origin has become more and more serious in recent years. At present, it is urgent to establish an objective and effective method to identify the origin of E. sinensis. Therefore, more and more scholars have carried out identifications and studies on E. sinensis from different habitats. The identification methods include morphological index identification, biochemical index identification, element fingerprint, stable isotope, electronic nose, electronic tongue, molecular biology and so on. This paper summarized the advantages and disadvantages of various identification methods, and briefly introduced the research progress of identification of E. sinensis using the above methods. And the development trend of identification of E. sinensis was also discussed. It could provide a theoretical reference for exploring and establishing an objective, effective and rapid detection method to identify the origin of E. sinensis.