Ecosystem process has always been one of the core issues of ecology and evolutionary ecology, and the theoretical basis of ecological restoration. Much of the understanding of ecological systems has been based on the idea that the observed states and dynamics of ecological systems can be represented by stable asymptotic behavior. The dynamic processes including tipping points and a seemingly stable period of temporary changes before reaching a tipping point, which are called transient dynamics. As a self-organized process, transient dynamics is often extended by random events, external or internal disturbances. In this review, the characteristics of transient dynamic, measurement indicators, models and ecological significance were summarized. The results showed that the current transient phenomenon focused on the population scale based on the matrix model between the regime shifts. Taking riparian zone as an example, this review provides valuable information on using the transient theory to explain complex ecosystem affected by multiple factors and put forward a new perspective to reveal the transient dynamic and its ecological significance. The transient dynamic model can be used to predict the tipping points of system self-organization and the process before it comes. The research based on transient dynamic can provide new insights of the ecosystem process management and take measures to intervene the imbalance of the ecosystem.