Adsorption/desorption of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in soil influences their contamination characteristic, degradation and toxicity to environment, etc.. Researchers are approaching the issue from different angles, such as characteristics, laws and mechanism of the adsorption/desorption so as to provide reliable scientific basis for controlling and remedying petroleum product contaminated soil. Based on the papers available of the studies and experiments on soil adsorption/desorption of petroleum contaminants, a review was presented of the history, obtainments and progresses of the study, with some comments pointed out existing problems and suggested direction of the research.