Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become one of the powerful technique since its invention in 1980s. Nevertheless, PCR technique is still frequently impaired by its low specificity, poor sensitivity, false positive results, etc. Recently, nanomaterials including metal nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, quantum dots and nano metal oxide have been added into PCR solution to improve both quality and productivity of PCR. The nanoparticles assisted PCR ( NanoPCR) has received considerable attentions due to its unprecedented sensitivity, selectivity and efficiency. In this view, the mainly used nanoparticles in NanoPCR, including gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanomaterials, graphene and metallic oxide, was firstly summarized. And then, the possible mechanisms for highly improved sensitivity and selectivity were discussed. Finally, recent applications of NanoPCR were described.