Abstract: Large residual thermal stress is usually formed within ceramic/metal joints because of the great mismatch in thermo-physical properties between the ceramic and metal to be joined.How to decrease the residual thermal stresses within the ceramic/metal joints has been always an important research branch in the field of ceramic (or ceramic matrix composite) joining.Seven methods for decreasing residual thermal stresses are summarized based on the worldwide research results in decades, in which the conceptions of buffer layer,gradient and composite are very important,and their mechanisms are analyzed.In order to achieve better effect,the authors suggest that different methods for decreasing residual thermal stresses should be combined with each other,and it would be an interesting research area.