The advancements in colorectal minimally invasive surgical techniques represent not merely technological innovation but also a significant leap in surgical philosophy. Over the past half-century, we have witnessed the historic transition from traditional open surgery to minimally invasive procedures, a change propelled by continuous innovations in surgical platforms and techniques. The innovations of platforms encompass developments in imaging platforms, energy platforms, instrumentation platforms. Furthermore, innovations in surgical techniques primarily focus on exploring variables within five key elements of surgical techniques: the approach, extent of bowel resection, lymph node dissection, reconstruction of the digestive tract, and specimen extraction. The progress in colorectal minimally invasive surgery has significantly reduced surgical trauma, and enhanced patients' postoperative quality of life and the overall safety of surgeries. This progress is underpinned by stringent quality control throughout the surgical process, ensuring standardized and homogeneous execution of procedures. Moving forward, the ongoing drive to innovate surgical techniques and philosophies will continue to improve the efficacy and safety of colorectal minimally invasive surgeries. This journey not only necessitates the relentless advancement of medical technologies, but also requires surgeons to continuously deepen and actively pursue surgical philosophies.