Viral pneumonia accounts for over one-third of adult community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in China. It has a notably high mortality rate in patients with severe pneumonia. Influenced by the novel coronavirus infection, viral pneumonia has received increasing attention in recent years, with a surge in related basic and clinical research. However, precise diagnosis and treatment of viral pneumonia remain difficult. This review will systematically explain the latest advances in the basic and clinical aspects of viral pneumonia. It covers pathogen diagnosis, antiviral drugs and strategies, host immune analysis, severe disease warning, and new challenges and opportunities in the post-epidemic era. It arms to provide the direction for research on the precise diagnosis and treatment of viral pneumonia.