Abstract: The coastal zone is defined as an independent geological environmental system of sea-land transition, and the place of land-ocean interaction. In this paper, we reviewed the research objects, scientific targets and contents of LOICZ under IGBP in details, and summarized the research status and progress of coastal zone at home and abroad under the framework of LOICZ with emphasis on the studies in the estuaries of the Changjiang,Huanghe and Zhujiang Rivers. It is pointed out that the geological survey and research in most of the coastal zones in China are still behind the requirement of rapid economic development. We need to understand more about the processes of sea-land interaction and the geological evolution of a coast so as to support the rationale coastal zone management. In addition, monitoring data in coastal zones are deficient for predicting geological hazards and making early warning. In view of the above, the authors proposed in this paper recommendations to improve coastal research in China for considerations by the public and decision makers..