Abstract: The end filling and emptying system is the most widely adopted type of water delivery system for navigation locks in China. The layout of this system and related hydraulics problems are concerned. Based on extensive research findings and engineering practice data from both domestic and international sources, this paper summarized and discussed the research progress on the end filling and emptying system for navigation locks, covering its hydraulic characteristics, layout configurations, energy dissipation methods, valve operation modes, and hydrodynamic properties. Furthermore, it explored the challenges and future research directions for end filling and emptying system in light of ship lock development trend. Future research may focus on the following areas: layout technologies for large-scale lock with centralized water delivery systems, design and water delivery methods for water-saving ship lock with end filling and emptying systems, and standardization studies for end filling and emptying systems in ship locks on canals or navigable rivers.