Hydrological experiment plays an important role in hydrology research. In order to promote the development of hydrological experiment and its application in hydrology research,it is necessary to carry out a periodic comb on the relevant work and look forward the future holds. In this paper,the concept and connotation of hydrological experiment are expounded,and some common methods as well as the development of hydrological experiment both at home and abroad are reviewed systematically. Meanwhile,recent research progresses about hydrological effects of vegetation, rainfall-runoff relationship,water movement in unsaturated zone,and impacts of climate change and human activities on hydrologic cycle based on hydrological experiment are summarized. Based on all above,the existing insufficiencies in current hydrological experiment are analyzed and possible future directions of development are pointed out. Firstly, the traditional experiments mainly focused on the surface hydrology rather than explore the interior of the hydrological cycle. It is suggested that the researchers should not only focus on the surface hydrology,but also extend the experimental basin to the critical zone,and pay more attentions on the study of inter-basin supply,runoff and drainage. Secondly, interdisciplinary observations and experiments will become a foreseeable trend of the future hydrological experiments. Thirdly,the operational specifications and standards of current hydrological experiment are not sufficient,and more attentions should be paid to the construction of hydrological experiment station network and the specifications of hydrological experiments,which will make it possible for data sharing and comparison analysis.