Abstract: In this review, models designed to simulate the dynamics of forest stand were discussed and classified into forest growth model and succession model. Forest growth model includes stand models, stand class models and individual tree models; succession model includes Markov-type models and gap models. Principles and application of both Markovian and gap succession models were introduced. The new advance of gap models was stated, after the early and later gap models were compared, with differences being pointed out. The structure and data requirement for growth and succession models affected their spatial and temporal applicability as well as their predictive value. The integration of different kinds of models may be the most general model for predicting tree growth and stand succession dynamics in future.