Cyanobacteria photosynthetic biomanufacturing provides a promising technology route for green development, but an efficient photosynthesis system is required for economical competitive performance. Synthetic biology approaches have been adopted to improve photosynthesis productivity in cyanobacteria chassis cells and cell factories by remodeling cyanobacterial metabolism and physiology for more efficient absorption and utilization of solar energy and carbon dioxide. In addition, systematic assays of a newly identified cyanobacterium which performs efficient photosynthesis has provided extensive data elucidating new directions for tailoring cyanobacteria chassis cells with improved productivity. In this review, we summarize these two aspects of recent progress and suggest trends for future development.