[Objective] The impact of comprehensive flood control projects on the improvement of river happiness was analyzed in order to improve the construction level of happy rivers, and provide a theoretical basis for the evaluation and construction of happy rivers in Shandong Province. [Methods] Taking Xiaoqing River basin as the research object, a multi-level happy river evaluation index system, based on the “goal layer-criteria layer-index layer” was established, including 20 indices from 5 criteria layers: water safety, water resources, water environment, water ecology, and water culture. It also evaluated the state of well-being and identified the main obstacles that hindered the construction of happy rivers. A combination weighting method based on the analytic hierarchy process and reverse entropy weight method was applied to determine the indices weights at urban and rural sections and identify the main obstacles affecting the construction of happy rivers through the obstacle degree. [Results] ① Watershed area retention had the highest weight in the urban section, and the percentage of levee flood defense standard compliance had the highest weight in the rural section. ② Before the construction of the flood control project, the happiness levels of the urban and rural sections were generally lower. After construction, the happiness levels in both sections improved; happiness was maintained in the urban section and improved to a generally higher level in the rural section. ③ In the criteria layer, the main obstacle affecting the construction of happy rivers in the urban section focused on the water resource layer, and the main obstacle affecting the rural section focused on the water safety, water resources, and water culture layers. [Conclusion] To improve the happiness level of rivers, it is necessary to enhance the water supply capacity through reservoir storage and water diversion projects, maintain a smooth flow in flood channels, and stabilize river courses to ensure flood control safety.