Abstract: OBJECTIVE To summarize the structure types and bioactivities of antibiotics from rare streptomyces, and provide reference information for further research. METHODS Based on the over ten years′ research literatures of antibiotics from rare streptomyces domestic and abroad, chemical constituents and bioactivities were reviewed. RESULTS Antibiotics from rare actinomycetes had characteristics of diverse structures and unique bioactivity, constituted mainly by 14 structure types. CONCLUSIONS Rare actinomycetes are important producers for novel bioactive compounds. The review can provide the evidence for the further study on the research of rare streptomyces.