The authors make a systematic retrospection about the main syndrome differentiation methods proposed by contemporary Chinese medicine doctors

and then summarize the research status of contemporary syndrome differentiation methods. Firstly

the syndrome differentiation mode of disease and syndrome combination is highlighted. The attention to the disease is more in-depth and detailed. Chronic non-communicable diseases and emotional illnesses are paid more attention. Transfer rules and clinical characteristics of diseases and syndromes are emphasized. Secondly

standardization of syndrome differentiation is more emphasized. Thirdly

syndrome differentiation strategy begins to be paid attention

including how to collect syndrome differentiation information

how to handle and process syndrome differentiation information

backward reasoning syndrome differentiation from treatment

emphasizing the temporal and spatial variation of syndrome differentiation. Based on this status

the authors make prospects on research of future differentiation methods. Firstly

research subjects should focus on compound syndromes of chronic non-communicable diseases

emotional illnesses and emerging infectious diseases. Secondly

about research contents

it should be paid more attention that clinical characterization identification and measurement of specific syndromes

as well as syndrome differentiation standard and its application. Advantages of Chinese and western medicine should be combined. The research progress of Chinese and western medicine diseases and syndromes should be reflected deeply. The development of precision medicine（ based on individual clinical characterization） should be promoted. Thirdly

about research methods

combination of disease and syndrome should be continued. Multidisciplinary approaches

such as complexity science

systems biology

etc. should be applied.