Abstract: Water-saving and drought-resistance rice (WDR) is an emerging crop type that combines the high yield and good quality of paddy rice with the water-saving and drought-resistance characteristics of upland rice. This review systematically summarizes the breeding theories, variety development strategies, and application outcomes of WDR in marginal lands, including waterlogged drylands, reclaimed wasteland, and saline-alkali soils. It also highlights the supporting cultivation technology centered on dry direct-seeding with aerobic cultivation. In response to current promotion challenges, future development directions are proposed, focusing on fundamental research, breakthrough variety breeding, integrated green cultivation techniques, and whole-industry-chain collaboration. This review aims to provide theoretical and practical guidance for WDR research and industrialization.