Nanostructured transition metal oxides (TMOs) semiconductor materials, whose photoelectric properties are significantly improved due to their nanostructures, have attracted more and more attention in recent years. As a functional material with periodic nanostructures and unique optical properties, photonic crystals (PhCs) have become an important option for nanostructuring semiconductor materials. The TMO semiconductor PhC (TMOPC), which is integrated by combining TMO with PhC, not only has the sensitivity of the TMO semiconductor to environmental stimulus, but also can improve the utilization rate of light and make the material have the optical response due to the optical modulation of PhC, such as slow light effect. The application of TMOPCs is widely promoted and expanded due to the improvement of its performance. Herein, this review summarizes the preparation methods of 3D TMOPCs in recent years and their main applications. The limitation and potential development of 3D TMOPCs in preparation and application are also discussed and prospected.