In this paper, the structural factors affecting the intrinsic thermal conductivity of polymers were analyzed from the aspects of molecular chain structure, crystallization, orientation and intermolecular forces; the methods for improving the intrinsic thermal conductivity of polymers were summarized; and the related researches were prospected. The results show that the intrinsic thermal conductivity of polymers can be effectively improved through the rational control of the molecular structure design in the polymer synthesis stage, the application of the external field in the processing stage, and the heat treatment after the processing is completed. However, significantly improving the intrinsic thermal conductivity of polymers still faces great challenges.