Based on systematic literature reviewing,the formation mechanism of bifurcating channels was introduced, such as central bar deposition, transverse bar conversion, chute cutoff, dissection of multiple bars and avulsion. Factors influencing water and sediment distribution include geometrical form, riverbed topography and hydraulic characteristics of bifurcating channels. The research progress of water and sediment distribution calculation method was also introduced. Taking the middle and lower Yangtze River as an example, the hydraulic characteristics and evolution characteristics of bifurcating channels were summarized. Finally, the problems that still need to be solved in the study of bifurcating channels were discussed, especially the application status and prospect of numerical simulation in the study of bifurcations formation and evolution.