In China，the coal reserves are abundant，which accounts about 19% of the world’s coal reserves. China as the largest coal producer and consumer，it is estimated that nearly 58% of the coal reserves consist of low-rank coal. Therefore，the friendly and highly efficient conversion of low-rank coal has become even more essential. Recently，the cascade utilization is extensively concerned by researchers and government since it is recognized as one of the most promising way to employ the low-rank coal with high efficiency. Based on large number of researches，researchers find that the key for cascade utilization of low rank coal focuses on the quickly development of pyrolysis technology. In this report，we comprehensively explain the current development of pyrolysis technology，analyzes the existing problems in the industrialization process of cascade utilization for low rank coal，and at last，proposes the optimal routes available for the cascade utilization of low rank coal.