In recent years, ytterbium (Yb)-doped large mode field photonic crystal fibers have attracted significant attention owing to their applications in high peak-power picosecond ultrafast laser amplifiers. Herein, the difficulties in the development of Yb-doped large mode field photonic crystal fibers are briefly analyzed, and the research progress of these novel fibers both at home and abroad is examined. The preparation methods and optical/spectral properties of Yb-doped silica glass mandrels used for Yb-doped large mode field photonic crystal fibers are summarized. The preparation of large diameter, low NA ytterbium-doped silica glass mandrels, large mode area Yb doped photonic crystal fibers and their applications in picosecond pulse laser amplification at the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics are then discussed. Finally, the development and application of Yb-doped large mode field photonic crystal fibers are summarized, and their future prospects are detailed.