Abstract: Atmospheric ice nucleating particles (INPs) trigger the heterogeneous ice nucleation, which significantly affects the microphysics and radiative properties of ice clouds. For better understanding of the aerosol-cloud interactions and their associated climatic effects, it is crucial to elucidate the abundance, sources, and ice nucleation mechanisms of INPs in the atmosphere. This review compiles the recent progress made in the INP detection techniques, ice nucleation activities and mechanisms of representative aerosol particles, and the developed ice nucleation parameterizations based on the field and lab investigations. The critical challenges and open questions in the atmospheric INP research field are pointed out. Finally, we highlight the urgent needs to promote the ice nucleation studies in China.