An introduction of the ongoing technology of argon-blowing purging plugs in China was presented in this work. Gel powders were used as starting materials to enhance the high temperature mechanical properties of the purging plugs. Composite purging plug adopting extrusion formed gas-purging bar and slit had its surface structural design improved, which enhanced the resistances to thermal shock and molten steel penetration, prolonging the service life. In addition, the safety was greatly improved by upgrading the framework and production process, enhancing the resistance to breakout. It is indicated that the developing trend is to produce purging plugs of longer service life and better gas purging rate with different starting materials and structure designs to meet the requirements of various metallurgical processes.