The mid-infrared band holds important application value in frontier fields such as environmental remote sensing, astronomical observation, biomedical diagnosis, and molecular spectroscopy. High-performance mid-infrared detection technology is crucial for realizing these applications. Advances in narrow-bandgap semiconductors and heat-sensitive material technologies have greatly improved the performance of mid-infrared detectors. Despite this progress, mid-infrared detectors still lag behind InGaAs/Si-based detectors functioning in adjacent bands, particularly in avalanche/counting and planar array configurations. The frequency up-conversion of mid-infrared light using mature near-infrared and visible light devices to achieve high-level analysis and sensing has emerged as a new indirect detection paradigm that effectively complements traditional direct detection methods. This paper reviews the development history of mid-infrared frequency up-conversion detection technology both domestically and internationally, classifies the "four elements" of a detection system (i.e., a nonlinear crystal, a probe light source, a mid-infrared target, and an optical detection terminal), and summarizes the key advances in mid-infrared single photon detection, spectral analysis, and imaging applications. The paper also discusses future directions for advancements in detection technology.