Microplastic pollution has attracted worldwide attention. Compared with the status quo of microplastic pollution in marine environment and other major rivers and lakes, the relevant data of the Yellow River Basin is relatively poor. The abundance, types, and spatial distribution characteristics of microplastic pollution in the silts and surface water of the Yellow River Basin were reviewed. Meanwhile, the status of microplastic pollution in the national center city and Yellow River Delta wetland was discussed, and the corresponding prevention and control measures were put forward. The data collected in this study showed that the spatial distribution of microplastic pollution in silts and surface water of the Yellow River Basin increased from upstream to downstream, especially in the Yellow River Delta wetland. There are obvious differences between the types of microplastics in silt and surface water in the Yellow River Basin, which is mainly related to the materials of microplastics. Compared with similar regions in China, the microplastic pollution levels in national key cities and national wetland parks in the Yellow River Basin are in the medium to high degree, which should be paid attention to. Plastic exposure through various ways will cause serious impact on aquaculture and human health in the Yellow River beach area. To control microplastic pollution in the Yellow River Basin, it is necessary to improve the relevant production standards, laws, and regulations and improve the capacity of biodegradable microplastics and the engineering degradation capacity of plastic waste.