Abstract:This study was conducted on riparian forests in the upper\|reach of Wenyuhe Watershed. Succession series and trend of 13 communities were studied by using the methods of substitution of space for time, static analysis and Markov models. According to multiple\|comparison results of succession climax indexes and biological and ecological characteristics of the dominant trees, 13 communities were classified into 4 succession stages, which was as same as the results achieved from the succession gradient study where the communities of same or adjacent succession stages were strongly correlated. Succession sequences of the riparian forest were built up as: I. stage of broad\|leaved forest including communities of PCS and CPM; II. stage of broad ＆ needle\|leaved forest including communities of CPP, CMM and CPW; III. stage of needle ＆ broad\|leaved forest including community PRL, PCP, MCP, PRM and PRW; and IV. stage of needle\|leaved forest including Picea wilsonii forest community. The communities of PCL and TPM were classified as a low\|mountain forest succession series because of their little correlations with other communities. By predictions of Markov models, the communities of CPP, CMM and CPW would all develop to the communities dominated by P. wilsonii or P. meyeri, which tested accurateness of the succession series and refined the succession process of the communities. The result of this study provides some theory support for conservation, restoration, reconstruction and management of the riparian forests.