Abstract: Shale reservoir fracturing involves the interaction of multiple physical processes and is a typical hydro-mechanical coupling problem. The fracturing process is influenced by the heterogeneity of shale and the complex structure of the rock mass, leading to the formation of dense fracture networks in the reservoir. Numerical simulation is an important tool for investigating the mechanisms of fracture propagation, the evolution processes of fracture networks, and the optimization of fracturing designs. Thus, fracturing simulation remains a hot topic in the field of oil and gas development in recent years. This paper first analyzes the formation characteristics of fracture networks and the hydro-mechanical coupling processes of hydraulic fracturing. The main numerical simulation methods for hydraulic fracturing are summarized here. Secondly, recent advances in fracturing simulations are provided from two perspectives: dynamic evolution simulation of complex fracture networks and reservoir-scale fracturing simulation. Finally, based on the current research status of fracturing simulation and actual engineering requirements, future prospects for fracturing simulation are discussed.