Abstract: The joint waterstop is one of the key technical issues in the design of high concrete face rockfill dams （CFRD）.In this paper，the domestic and abroad research progress on waterstop design of high concrete face rockfill dams was reviewed.Focusing on deformation control standard and structure design of waterstops，we mainly summarized the basic ideas and engineering cases of waterstops design of CFRD in China.It was believed that determining the deformation control standard of joint waterstop by numerical calculation combined with engineering experiences was appropriate.The innovation achievements have been concentrating in the surface filling waterstop and its protecting cover plate，and the flexible waterstop materials in vertical joints.The follow-up research of joint waterstop will focus on the structural innovation and simplified design，anti-extrusion failure measures，durability improvement methods and repairing techniques.