The development history of ultrasonic guided waves in pipeline defect detection is briefly reviewed, the propagation mode of pipeline guided waves is described, and the current research status of pipeline defect imaging technology is investigated. The application of ultrasonic guided waves in pipeline defect imaging is reviewed. Phased array imaging, time reversal, tomography, migration imaging, and delayed stacking are introduced, and the characteristics of various methods are compared with Scope of application. Finally, it summarizes the current opportunities and challenges faced by ultrasonic guided waves in pipeline defect imaging.