Abstract: Based on summary of the research results of waterway regulation in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the design theory and method of waterway regulation in tidal rivers are discussed and expounded. The results show that in a tidal reach, three sections: perennial tidal current, seasonal tidal current and perennial runoff can be divided according to the different runoff and tidal impacts, and there are four types of shoal: single-stage branching type, multi-stage branching type, underwater diara type and submerged bar type according to the characteristics of river type and the beach & channel pattern. The overall principle of the tidal waterway regulation should be established by consideration on many influencing factors and external conditions, and the designed navigable water level of different sections and its connection with the upstream and downstream waterway, as well as the determination method of the regulation parameters (regulation water level and regulation line width) should be sorted out, and the regulation ideas and engineering measures for the characteristics of various shoals are presented, and the concrete component mixed dikes and new type of protection structures are adopted.