[Objective] The spatiotemporal differentiation patterns of ecosystem service value(ESV) in typical estuarine deltas of coastal regions in China(hereinafter referred to as the Pearl River delta, Yangtze River delta, and Yellow River delta) were systematically analyzed, in order to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of regional coordinated development and ecological conservation strategies. [Methods] By comprehensively utilizing multi-source spatiotemporal data and combining spatial analysis with econometric modeling methods, this study investigated the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of ESV in typical estuarine deltas in 1985—2024. [Results] ① During the study period, the urbanization levels of all regions continuously increased, but the spatial patterns showed significant differences. The Pearl River delta presented a ‘core-subcenter' clustered structure, the Yangtze River delta showed a ‘metropolitan area + development axis' pattern, and the Yellow River delta exhibited a dispersed, point-like development pattern.② The spatial distribution characteristics of ESV differed substantially among regions. The Pearl River delta showed high-value clustering in the southwest, the Yangtze River delta exhibited a pronounced south-north gradient differentiation, and the Yellow River delta formed a concentric structure characterized by low values in the center and high values in the periphery.③ The spatial correlation between urbanization and ESV showed regional differences. The Pearl River delta and Yangtze River delta demonstrated a significant positive spatial correlation, whereas the Yellow River delta showed a negative correlation, revealing the differences in human-environment relationships at different stages of development. [Conclusion] In response to the demands for high-quality development and ecosystem service enhancement in typical estuarine deltas, differentiated development pathways should be adopted. The Pearl River delta should strengthen coordinated spatial governance, the Yangtze River delta should enhance integrated ecosystem management, and the Yellow River delta should establish mechanisms for realizing ecological value oriented towards resource development and climate adaptation.