The paper presented a review of current research progress and mechanism of the phosphorus removal in the constructed wetlands, in which the substrates, plants and microorganisms play the role of strengthening phosphorus removal. Overall literature analyses indicate that advanced research on the mechanism of sorption and desorption properties of the combined substrates can improve the effective removing phosphorus of the substrates and therefore, theoretically promote the progress of wetland application; The relationship between the indirect removal potential of the plants and hydraulic retention time is an essential basis that affect the plant selection and its growth in wetlands; The rhizosphere microsurroundings of the plants and coupling effects between microorganisms and plants may be one of the main ways to enhance the removal rate of phosphorus in wetlands; Much pursuit is focused on the purification function of sewage in wetlands while the ecological service function is sometimes neglected, which is incorrect understanding in the wetland performance. Finally the review points out that the applying manner should be high hydraulic load and low pollution load. Meanwhile the primary strengthening treatment is necessary to be emphasized.