Compared with the traditional temperature measurement technology, radiation thermometry technology offers the advantages of non⁃contact measurement, fast response and excellent high⁃temperature adaptability. It enables real⁃time measurement of the surface temperature distribution of key components such as turbine rotor blades. It introduces the basic principles, technical characteristics and application scope of various radiation temperature measurement methods including brightness thermometry, colorimetric thermometry, charge⁃coupled device (CCD) thermometry, and multi⁃wavelength radiation thermometry. The application and development status of radiation thermometry technology in turbine blade temperature measurement are described, and the future development direction of this technology is discussed. It is pointed out that the accuracy and reliability of radiation thermometry technology can be further improved by optimizing the design of optical probe, using more advanced algorithms, and applying new type of high⁃temperature⁃resistant materials; and that the radiation thermometry technology can be combined with thermocouple thermometry technology to build a more precise and stable turbine blade temperature monitoring system.