【Abstract】Objective To explore the different characteristics of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) and hepatectomy (HC) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The literatures about tumor recurrence of HCC after LT and HC were reviewed and their characteristics were compared. Results There are distinctions of recurrence rates, time, common sites between the recurred tumors after LT and HC, and their correlation factors and mechanisms of recurrence are also different. Conclusion Preventive measures should be strengthened and treatments should be more targeted according to the different characteristics of tumor recurrence after LT and HC to improve postoperative life quality and increase the survival rate.