Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a kind of cellulose produced through microbial fermentation, which has a unique structure and physiochemical properties. BC has a lot of hydroxyl groups, ultra-fine fiber network, and high specific surface area, which enable BC have good adsorption properties to the metal ions in aqueous solution. The preparation conditions (including bacteria, carbon sources, additives) of BC are reviewed. The adsorption and the adsorption mechanism of heavy metal ions on BC are also reviewed and outlooked.