Thermoelectric materials and the related devices which are environmentally friendly have attracted increasing attention due to the development of modern technologies and the intensification of energy and environment crisis. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that it is promising to decrease the dimensions and the sizes in the research and development of thermoelectric materials. The research progress of the influencing factor on thermoelectric performance, material preparation and measurement technology of low-dimensional thermoelectric materials are introduced and reviewed. The research and development trends of low-dimensional thermoelectric materials are further discussed.