Abstract: The goal of “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” provides a powerful engine for the transformation of energy structure in China. As response to the sustainable development and energy structure transformation, the development of biomass high-density fuels is necessary, which can provide renewable alternatives for traditional petroleum-based high-density fuels. Herein, the properties and applications of typical petroleum-based high-density fuels including RJ-4 and JP-10 are reviewed. We also introduce the routes for synthesizing RJ-4, JP-10 and other polycyclic fuels from terpenoids and lignocellulose platform compounds, showing the feasibility of converting biomass to high-density fuels. Finally, we emphasize the current bottlenecks and development trends in the synthesis and application of biomass high-density fuels.