The construction of scientific research stations is an important goal in current international lunar exploration, and lava tubes are one of the most important candidates for the construction of scientific research stations. This paper discusses the importance of lunar lava tubes as natural caves during the construction of lunar scientific research stations and bases, and reviews the existing understanding of lunar lava tubes in China and abroad, and focuses on the process and significance of lunar lava tube exploration and proposes future development trends for the key challenges in detecting these lava tubes. In addition, in the context of China’s lunar exploration project, this paper proposes a development strategy for China’s future lunar and deep-space exploration endeavors.