Abstract: The linear accelerator is a key technology of nuclear science and technology applications. Since its establishment, China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) has been committed to the research and development of linear accelerator technology, and has a history of more than 70 years of innovative development. It has made great achievements and historic contributions to the multi-disciplinary and multi-application fields at CIAE, which has led to the progress of basic research and application technology of nuclear science and technology in China. After a review of the development history of linear accelerator, this paper focuses on the scientific and technological innovation and application of linear accelerator in the last 10 years. This paper has sorted out the continuous innovative development of the electron linear accelerator and high-intensity proton linear accelerator of CIAE. The electron linear accelerator has evolved from a standardized products to a series of new electron linear accelerators, such as adjustable energy electron linear accelerators and compact size electron linear accelerators. The high-intensity proton linear accelerator has broken through the construction of multi-pulse mode experimental platforms and superconducting technology. This paper further explores the future technological trends and strategic directions of the linear accelerator of CIAE, with the aim of continuing to lead innovation and meeting the urgent needs of the rapid development of national nuclear technology in the new era.