A dual-channel hot standby system and a method for carrying out dual-channel hot standby, the system comprises a hot standby status management layer including two hot standby management units, an application processing layer including two application processors, and a data communication layer including two communicators; the hot standby status management layer is used for controlling the setting and switching between a active status and a standby status of the two application processors, monitoring the working status of the data communication layer, and carrying out synchronization of the control cycles for the two channels of the system; wherein one of the hot standby management units controls one of the application processors, and together constitute a channel of the system therewith; the data communication layer is used for receiving data from outside, and forwarding the data to the application processing layer. The present invention avoids the occurrence of “dual-channel-active” or “dual-channel-standby” status; ensures synchronization of the control cycles of two channels; reduces the time of the system for responding to breakdowns; meets the real-time requirements; enhances the reliability and availability of the system; and ensures a seamless switching between active and standby statuses.