Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies of the head and neck in China. In particular, there is a high incidence in Guangdong and Guangxi, Hong Kong, and the southeast coast of China. Because of the inconspicuous location of nasopharyngeal cancer, it is mostly detected at mid- and late-stages. Early detection and treatment of this tumor are difficult for clinicians. Experimental animals provide a good model to study the pathogenesis and therapeutic measures of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This article reviews the establishment of animal models of classical nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the recent research progress in animal models of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to provide a basis for research of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the translation of new research findings into clinical application.