The mechanism underlying the occurrence and development of gastric cancer is complex. Abnormal activation of cell signaling pathways play a vital role in the occurrence and development of cancer. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway participates in gastric cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis and effectively induces drug resistance of the gastric cancer cells; it is also the key signal to mediate gastric carcinogenesis. Disturbances of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer and increase the sensitivity of the cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. The authors reviewed the research progress of the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer and discussed the prospective of preventing gastric cancer by interfering with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.