Abstract: As one of the three major cereal crops, the production of pulses is only lower than that of cereals. It is the second source of protein for human beings. Pulses have attracted more and more attention from customers and researchers at domestic and abroad, owing to its nutrient characteristics, such as large amount of protein, starch, and fibers, low content of lipid, and abundant vitamins and minerals. There are plentiful and multiple pulses resources in China, thus this paper summarizes the distribution, classification, nutrient characteristics, and functional activities of pulses at native and foreign. Besides, this paper briefly discusses the development and utilization of relevant products with a view to more systematic and scientific recognition and provide reference for further research directions.