Objective To introduce the application of polymer material, chitosan, in the cartilage tissue engineering. Methods The recent original articleson the application of chitosan in cartilage tissue engineering were extensivelyreviewed. The biocompatibility and biodegradation characters of chitosan and its application were analysed.Results Chitosan has a high degree of biocompatibility and a favorable chondrogenic characteristic. It can support the maintenance of the phenotypic morphology of chondrocytes besides being used as a scaffold for cell growth. Conclusion The perspect of the application of chitosan in cartilage tissue engineering is hopeful.