Graphitic carbon nitride (g⁃C3N4) possesses a unique two⁃dimensional structure, which is used as a kind of excellent non⁃metallic semiconductor photocatalysts, owing to its visible light absorption, adjustable energy band grade, high stability, and so on. This review focus on recent research results and progress, and modification and catalytic mechanism related to photocatalysts are summarized based on microstructure changing, elemental doping, semiconductor loading, and multiphase composite of g⁃C3N4. Finally, the review presents the viewpoint for the development of g⁃C3N4⁃based photocatalytic performance.