Abstract: In order to understand the current status of water-based adhesives for cigarette manufacturing and to facilitate further research for product improvements, the classification, modification and machine adaptability of water-based adhesives in China were systematically reviewed. The future prospect of the water-based adhesives was discussed. The results showed that: 1) The water-based adhesives used in cigarette industries mainly included polyvinyl acetate emulsion, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer emulsion, and starch-based water-based adhesives. 2) Modification methods of synthetic polymer-based water-based adhesives mainly included copolymerization and physical mixing. Modification of starch-based water-based adhesives could be achieved through targeted chemical reactions, involving oxidation, esterification, cross-linking or grafting reactions, etc. 3) The modified starch-based water-based adhesives, and water-based adhesives with auxiliary functions such as flavoring or flame-retardant might be an important innovative direction in the future. 4) Research on machine adaptability of water-based adhesives for cigarette manufacturing should be strengthened.