Abstract:The study of river habitat is the basis for river ecological restoration and basin environmental management. In this paper, the classification, survey methods (including survey scale, sampling density, sampling season, and data recording), and data processing of river habitat were introduced, and the characteristics and application scope of the main methods (or models) widely applied in the world for river habitat evaluation were reviewed from the aspect of the relationships between living species and habitat suitability. Based on the approach of the experiences and methods of habitat research in developed countries, it was suggested that the river regulation in China should be carried out from the viewpoint of river ecosystem restoration.