Abstract: Autoimmune disease is a kind of disease caused by the immune system attacking its own tissues and cells. Its pathogenesis is complex and diverse, involving genetic, environmental, immune and other factors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and rich experience in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Its concept of syndrome differentiation and treatment provides new ideas and methods for modern medicine. However, multi-component and multi-functionality characteristics of TCM have brought challenges to its modern research. With the development of modern medicine, the application of TCM syndrome animal models in the study of autoimmune diseases has become increasingly widespread. First, the types of TCM syndrome animal models were summarized from three aspects: etiological models, pathological models, and combined etiological and pathological models. Then, taking autoimmune diseases as an example, the application status, advantages, and challenges of TCM syndrome animal models were listed. Finally, the role and prospects of novel humanized animals in simulating TCM syndromes, evaluating TCM efficacy, and clarifying the mechanism of action were discussed.