Cement industry should set out its plan for decarbonization, for its massive carbon emissions, to realize the “dual carbon” goal proposed by the Chinese government. Therefore, the design and application of low carbon cement are in great need. High belite calcium sulphoaluminate cement is a new type of low carbon cement, that not only saves energy and reduces carbon emissions, but also utilizes aluminium containing solid waste in its production. Besides, it is also a low-cost cement with high strength in long term. Based on these features, the development of high belite calcium sulphoaluminate cement shows great promise for the sustainability of cement industry. However, high belite calcium sulphoaluminate cement faces challenges to improve its early-age strength as it contains limited content of ye’elimite in cement clinker. Research on the activation of the cement at an early age improves its strength and broaden its application. This paper reviews the composition, characteristics and research status of the high belite calcium sulphoaluminate cement. Activations of high belite calcium sulphoaluminate cement are summarized in the three aspects of dicalcium silicate, ye’elimite and the design optimization of cement mineral composition. The aim is to provide a theoretical guidance for development of high performance cement.