Abstract: Voltage source converter based high voltage direct current transmission（VSC-HVDC）has broad application prospects. The theoretical analysis and operating characteristics studies of the VSC-HVDC systems using various high-precision and high-efficiency simulation techniques are the key to the technology development of the VSC-HVDC. Real-time digital simulation,physical dynamic simulation and digital-physical hybrid simulation is commonly used method for system simulation research. This paper introduces the structure and core equipment of the VSC-HVDC system,analyzes three simulation methods based on the basic theory,the principle of algorithm,implementation method and the modeling method of flexible equipment,and expounds the applicability,advantages and disadvantages of various methods. Finally,development trends and key questions in the VSC-HVDC simulation technology are discussed,and the research ideas are given.