C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) is a kind of glomerulopathy with isolated glomerular C3 staining (no immunoglobin or C1q staining) and subendothelial and/or mesangial electron-dense deposits. With the gradual development of pathology and immunology, our understanding of C3GN is increasingly improved. At present, the diagnosis of C3GN mainly depends on three parts: the clinical manifestation, laboratory examination (complement abnormalities), and pathology. C3GN is a recently-proposed disease, with limited data available, and its diagnosis requires careful identification. There is no effective treatment for C3 glomerulonephritis. Eculizumab, an artificial monoclonal antibody effecting on C5, complement regulator CR1, and symptomatic treatment with integrated western and traditional Chinese medicine represented by Tripterygium wilfordii glycoside are expected to have positive effects. The prognosis of C3GN is of diversity. Treatment based on symptomatic and supportive therapy and integrated western and traditional Chinese medicine through immunosuppression mechanism, are expected to control the disease progression. Research is urgently needed for the development of more effective drugs.