Laser shock peening (LSP) technology is a new surface modification technology that uses high power density and short pulse lasers to strengthen the surface of materials. It can generate gradient nanostructure and compressive residual stress on the material surface, improving the mechanical properties of materials. This paper introduces the development and research of laser shock penning and the application prospect of this technology is prospected. Subsequently, the principle of laser shock penning is analyzed, and the strengthening effect of the residual stress and gradient nanostructures induced by the laser shock penning on the material is analyzed. This paper reviews the influence of laser shock peening on the strength and ductility, fatigue resistance, wear resistance and stress corrosion cracking resistance of materials. Finally, the multiscale simulation research of laser shock peening is introduced from macroscopic, mesoscopic, micro-mesoscopic, microscopic and nanoscopic scales, and the differences in simulation methods at different scales are compared.