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Thermoelectric materials can directly convert heat to electricity and vice versa. ZT (= S 2 σ T / κ) is usually used for evaluating the performance of thermoelectric materials. Improving ZT is a challenging task because of the strong interdependence among the Seebeck coefficient (S), electrical conductivity (σ) and thermal conductivity (κ). This review provides a summary of some promising thermoelectric materials in different developing stages with emphasis on the corresponding strategies for thermoelectric performance enhancement. In addition, the number of recent publications on some representative thermoelectric materials is summarized, addressing the current research interests in this field. Thermoelectricity still need intensified scientific efforts to meet the practical demand. • Summarize most promising bulk thermoelectric materials. • Enumerate traditional thermoelectric materials and the corresponding performance enhancing strategies and developing status. • Some emerging and burgeoning materials with outstanding thermoelectric performance are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]