The world scale damage and retrogression of the coral reef have been in place for decades, especially the recent coral bleaching. Due to the abundant biodiversity and important ecological function of the coral reef ecosystem, it is vital to restore the damaged coral reef ecosystem. This paper summarizes the status of coral reefs of the world, global threats to the coral reefs, methods of coral reef restoration and recruitment, and the status of coral reefs of China. The strategy of coral reef restoration and recruitment usually depends on the ways of coral reproduction. In addition to improving the coral livability, sometimes intermediate disturbance is necessary. The methods of coral reef restoration and recruitment include coral transplantation, Gardening, artificial reefs, fixing the ground base, increasing the larvae adhesion and raising people′s awareness on environmental protection. Coral reefs of South China Sea had been severely damaged, but the achievement was little and the related science and technology reports were scarce, so there is a long way to go in terms of strengthening the coral reef restoration and research.