A series of methods to enhance the performance of permanganate oxidation by adding catalysts or coupling with other water treatment processes are discussed. The transition metal ions, humic acid, ligands, ABTS, manganese dioxide and ultrasound were proved to be effective in increasing the oxidation rate of permanganate. The advantages and disadvantages for each method were discussed intensively. The following studies should be focused on developing the heterogeneous catalysts based on iron or other transition metals, to reduce the cost of catalysis and make it convenient to segregate and recycle.