Phytoremediation has become an important treatment technology for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil due to its advantages such as low investment cost, less environmental disturbance, easy control of secondary pollution, and beautification of the environment. Endogenous cytokinins regulate plant physiological activities and have a significant impact on the physiological and ecological characteristics of plants. And it has gradually attracted the attention of researchers in phytoremediation. Cytokinins regulate plant rhizome development, leaf senescence, hormone transmission and other processes. At the same time, it also participates in the operation of transpiration, photosynthesis, resistance, detoxification and other systems under heavy metal stress. Based on the research about the regulation of cytokinins on plant physiological activities, the paper expounds the mechanism of cytokinins in phytoremediation. We mainly include that:First, to enhance photosynthesis, delay leaf senescence, and enhance plant resistance. Second, to regulate the development of roots, stems and leaves, increase plant biomass, and strengthen plant enrichment effects. Third, to enhance the expression of transporters, improve leaf transpiration, and promote the absorption of heavy metals in plants. Fourth, to participate in the detoxification process, reduce the toxicity of heavy metals, and regulate the transformation of heavy metals in the body. Finally, the paper puts forward the research direction of cytokinins in the phytoremediation, which is of great significance to promote the practical application of cytokinins in phytoremediation.