Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) are important condiments and vegetables, and both can be used as medicine and food. They are of great value in mediating people's dietary structure, nutritional balance and health care. Ginger and garlic in China are also important vegetables for export. Ginger and garlic germplasm resources are important for the scientific studies and technological innovations that substantially support these breeding and sustainable development of industries. This article reviews the research status of ginger and garlic germplasm resources from the aspects of collection and preservation, identification and evaluation, excellent genes mining, innovation and utilization. Many countries in the world, especially for the developed countries, were found to pay great attention to the collection, preservation and evaluation of ginger and garlic resources. Although China is rich in ginger and garlic germplasm resources, the academic research starts late and remains preliminary if compared to that of developed countries. In addition, this review analyzes the problems in the research of ginger and garlic germplasm resources and provides the corresponding strategies and suggestions addressing to these problems.