Since 1980s continuous development of the global climate observing system, successful implementation of the international field experiments in different regions as well as the fast development of computer performance have provided great support to the booming of climate models. Both of the architecture complexity and simulation ability of climate models were experienced a significant promotion in the recent 20 years. Climate models have been applied widely in the studies on formation and anomalies of global and regional climate, interaction among components of climate system and impacts of anthropogenic climate change. This paper summaries the recent advances in climate models, including atmospheric general circulation models, land surface process models, oceanic general circulation models and regional climate models. Some important existing international model intercomparison projects and their progresses are also reviewed.