Abstract: Ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) is a kind of new techniques which could be performed under ambient conditions (atmosphere) and without more complicated sample pretreatment. The development and application of AIMS has deserved much attention in mass spectrometry field over recent decade. In this review, the applications of AIMS in the study of Chinese herbal medicine were summarized, the typical analytical strategies were discussed and the basic principle, characters and classification were stated. At last, the possible development trend in the future and influence of this technology in the research field of Chinese medicine were foreseen.