Abstract: The evaluation and genic library construction of microstructure in asphalt mixtures is the key to understand the service performance of asphalt pavement and improve the durability of materials. This review summarized the study of microstructure characteristics in asphalt mixture. Firstly, the major approaches to capture the microstructure in asphalt mixture were investigated. The digital image processing method based on CCD and X-ray CT technique, and 3D modeling method based on 3D laser scanning technique were studied and the results pointed out the applicability of each approach. Secondly, the study of microstructure characteristics in aggregates and air voids was summarized. The indexes and evaluation methods were detailed introduced. Finally, the genic characteristics of asphalt mixture microstructure were discussed. It was proposed that the genic library construction of microstructure characteristics in asphalt mixture is important to the material study in asphalt pavements.