As an unconventional energy, shale gas is widely distributed with abundant reserves. However, because of the low porosity and low permeability in reservoir, shale gas has not been large-scale extracted. Until the past 20 years, shale gas mining technology is developing rapidly, which is mainly due to the progress of hydraulic fracturing technology. Fracturing fluid is an important part of the hydraulic fracture treatment and its performance directly affects the success of hydraulic fracturing. Based on the investigation of domestic and abroad literatures, combining with the developing course of fracturing fluid technology in China, the advantages, adaptability and existing problems of several commonly used fracturing fluids in shale gas exploitation are analyzed, and 2 new anhydrous fracturing technologies are summarized. Combined with the particularity of the shale gas reservoir and fracturing technology development status in China, suggestions suitable for China's shale gas fracturing fluid technology development are put forward and the importance of paying attention to environmental protection in the preliminary stage of shale gas is emphasized.