Catalytic oxidation technique is one of effective ways to realize resource utilization of lignin, which can transform lignin into aromatic aldehydes (p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillin, syringaldehyde, etc.) with high functionalization. Aromatic aldehydes are important intermediates in the synthetic of dyes, perfumes and pharmaceuticals, and have great industrial application value. Herein, this review summarizes the latest research progress in the preparation of aromatic aldehydes from lignin at home and abroad through five aspects: metal catalytic oxidation, organic catalytic oxidation, electrochemical catalytic oxidation, photocatalytic oxidation and ionic liquids catalytic oxidation, and briefly elaborates the reaction process mechanism under different catalytic systems. On this basis, the direction of research regarding the value-added of lignin catalytic oxidation is prospected to develop targeted catalysts for different lignin in order to contribute to the high value utilization of lignin. Finally, it is pointed out that regulating the oxygen vacancy on the surface of metal oxides is an effective strategy to selectively catalyze the preparation of aromatic aldehydes from lignin.