Abstract: In recent years, much progress has been obtained in enhancing the photocatalytic performance of non-TiO₂ with rare earth elements doping. This paper analyzes and summarizes zinc-based, bismuth-based photocatalysts modified with rare earth elements by single-element doping or co-doping, oxide composite, upconversion photocatalysis and rare earth solid solution. Tungsten-based and other-based photoccatalysts modified with rare earth elements, and novel rare earth photocatalysts are introduced. The results show that rare earth elements modifications can affect lattice structure and band gap, broaden the scope of spectral response and improve quantum efficiency by increasing photocatalysis activity effectively. The application prospect of rare earth elements in photocatalysis is analyzed.