ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). MethodsThe literatures about the research progress of the GIM were reviewed. ResultsThe most important histological feature of GIM was the presence of goblet cells, which was associated with the risk factors of Helicobacter pylori, gastric ulcer, reflux of bile acid, old age, overweight, and so on. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori, individual drug intervention, and regular endoscopic surveillance were considered to be effective prevention and treatment measures. GIM was recognized as the precancerous lesion of gastric cancer, however, the pathogenesis of GIM in gastric carcinogenesis had not been recognized so far. ConclusionsIt has a relationship between GIM and gastric cancer. The mechanism of GIM, the pathogenesis of GIM in gastric cancer, individual therapy measures, and the formulation of endoscopic surveillance strategy, however, still need further multicenter and large clinical study.