Abstract: Due to severe load conditions such as snow，typhoon and impact，many large-span membrane structures are damaged． It is necessary to research the health monitoring technology which is suitable for thin film structures． the monitoring requirements and technical difficulties of the structures are investigated based on the unique mechanical characteristics and construction technology． The film material-based sensors and passive wireless sensing technologies are studied and are used to establish the novel health monitoring system for large surface membrane structures． For the small tear of the structures appeared during the period of service，the latest research progresses of self-healing thin film materials were introduced，which could provide some experience for realizing self-healing functions and the intelligent structures．