Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive scarring of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in death from respiratory failure in its terminal stages, with a median survival of only 3 to 5 years. Experimental models are essential tools for investigating the pathogenesis of IPF, screening potential drugs, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy. In addition to animal and cell models, the development of precision medicine and multi-omics technologies in recent years has led to increasing attention being paid to the establishment of models that integrate traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes with disease patterns, as well as emerging organoid models. IPF experimental models have evolved from simulating a single pathological aspect to multidimensional models that integrate genetic heterogeneity, microenvironment interactions, and the TCM pathophysiological mechanisms of "phlegm, stasis, deficiency, and collateral damage." This paper systematically reviews the strategies for constructing IPF experimental models, detection indicators, TCM syndrome research, and evaluation systems, aiming to provide a reference for IPF-related research.