Deep lakes always maintain vertical thermal stratification due to their physical structure. The thermocline prevents the transfer of oxygen from epilimnion to hypolimnion, leading to the formation of anoxic conditions in deeper water, the enhanced release of endogenous pollutants and the deterioration of water quality. Oxygenation is an effective measure to improve the water quality of deep lakes and mitigate the release of endogenous pollutants via the increase of the oxygen level in water. This paper provided an overview of the method and theory of oxygenation in deep lakes. Advantages and limitations of different methods of oxygenation, including artificial destratification, airlift aerators, Speece cone and bubble plume diffusers, were discussed. In addition, challenges and prospects of oxygenation were assessed based on the analyzing of typical examples of oxygenation in deep lakes and the difference in oxygenation system used in deep lakes and shallow lakes.