Abstract: With accelerated bridge construction, the precast pier system has been widely applied in non and low seismic zone, but limited in moderate and high seismic zone by lack of knowledge about its aseismic performance. This paper classifies precast pier systems into two types: emulative precast piers and nonemulative precast piers, based on their aseismic performance. On one hand, the emulative precast pier is further categorized into grouted sleeve connection, grouted steel corrugated duct connection, pocket connection, socket connection, and cast-in-place wet joint connection by the type of connection. On the other hand, the nonemulative precast pier is further categorized into two types based on whether special energy dissipation device is used or not. The research about aseismic performance and typical engineering application are systematically reviewed for each of these categories. Three high performance materials, including Ultra high-performance concrete, fiber reinforced polymer and shape memory alloy, are reported for the research status of their application in the precast pier system to improve their aseismic performance. The proper way is pointed out to apply the three high performance materials in the precast pier system. Two methods are summarized to apply the new concept of earthquake resilience in the precast pier system, which are an external replaceable energy dissipation device and an internal energy dissipation bar with mechanical connection. The research review is conduct for the aseismic performance of precast piers using the two-connection ways. Based on the summarization of the aseismic performance of a precast pier system, the precast pier system is proposed to apply in the four types of bridges, including higher aseismic requirement, larger stiffness requirement, longer service life requirement, and stricter environmental protection requirement. The new issues caused by the new application fields are pointed out.