The review summarized the relationship between multi-scale second phase particles and properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys by reviewing related literatures and works done by authors’ group. Multi-scale second phase particles contain micro-scale intermetallic particles, submicro-scale dispersoids, nano-scale inter-granular precipitates and nano-scale intra-granular precipitates. The related properties mainly refer to strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance. it is concluded that, in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys, intermetallic particles dominate fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the dispersoids dominate strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance via inhibiting the recrystallization of the matrix, the inter-granular precipitates dominate fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, whereas the intra-granular precipitates dominate strength and fracture toughness. Furthermore, the development of technologies to manipulate multi-scale second phase was reviewed. The aim for the review is to help technical personnel to analyse the possible causes and develop the feasible technologies to synergistically improve the properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys.