Abstract: A review of the hot-box method used for measuring the thermal property of the greenhouse covering materials was given. The radiation in the sky is an important factor which affects the thermal transmittance of the greenhouse materials. The key difference between the hot-box measurement method used in greenhouse engineering and civil engineering was pointed out. Thus it is necessary to develop the measuring technology and equipment by hot-box method which is used to measure the thermal property of greenhouse covering materials in greenhouse engineering, and the improving work and research which need to be done in the future were put forward.