Mercury(Hg) is recognized as the only toxic heavy metal pollutant existing in gaseous form in the atmosphere. As one of the most remarkable anthropogenic Hg sources, the coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) contribute significant Hg emissions to the atmosphere which can transport and transform in the atmospheric circulation, and can move from the atmosphere via dry/wet deposition to the terrestrial and marine ecosystems, resulting in Hg pollution on a local, regional and global scale. Research on the deposition of Hg in the atmosphere emitted from CFPPs, and its accumulation characteristics in the soils, is critically important for further understanding the ecological impact of Hg emissions. This paper reviewed the pathways of Hg from CFPPs to soils, analyzed the level and spatial distribution of Hg in the soils around the CFPPs, and summarized the major factors affecting the distribution of Hg in soils. Finally, the future research directions were also proposed.