Abstract: Circumferential guided waves inspection technique is one of important research areas in ultrasonic nondestructive testing and elastodynamics. This paper fully reviewed circumferential guided waves inspection technique and its research progress. First, the classification, dispersion characteristic, excitation method of circumferential guided waves, the relationship between circumferential guided waves in pipe and guided waves in plate were introduced. Circumferential guided waves in multi-layered pipes were briefly reviewed. Based on these, the progress of transducer technology, signal processing and engineering application of circumferential guided waves were focused. Finally, conclusions and outlook on future development of circumferential guided waves inspection technique were prospected.