In this paper, the origin and development of mechanics of sediment transport are introduced, and different theories and methods with regard to the mechanics of sediment transport are reviewed. The kinetic theory of sediment transport, including the basic equations and their applications in the interaction between the sediment particles and bed surface, erosion rate of bed sediment, transport rate of bed load, and kinetic characteristics of suspended sediment transport, is examined. The results show that the kinetic theory can precisely describe the dynamic characteristics of sediment particles. In addition, the future development trend of sediment research is predicted with the bibliometrical method. The number of papers in which the key word is “bedload or suspended load” continues to increase, implying that sediment research still maintains strong vitality. Furthermore, through analysis of changes in the number of papers in different journals and on different subjects, it is found that study of the combined subject of sediment movement and geomorphology has displayed a trend of rapid development.