[Objective] The objective of this study is to study correlation among the ecological characteristics of riparian meadows, riparian soil properties and river water quality, in order to provide a solid basis for the evaluation of river ecosystem in Qinghai Lake basin.[Methods] Along altitudinal gradient of main rivers in the field, we collected water samples, riparian topsoil samples and investigated vegetation characteristics, and analyzed samples in laboratory.[Results] The 18 evaluation indexes of river ecosystems exhibited the certain regularity along elevation gradient in Qinghai Lake basin. Obvious correlation existed among the evaluation indexes of the riparian vegetation, surface soil and river water quality. Significant positive correlation was found between chemical oxygen demand(COD) and Pb, coverage and soil organic matter content(SOC), biomass and richness(p<0.01), while significant negative correlation found between the riparian soil sandy grains and river water nitrogen content, soil salt content and coverage, sand grains and richness(p<0.01). The principal component analysis indicated that the COD, soil organic matter, vegetation coverage and As can be used to evaluate river ecosystems.[Conclusion] The negative impacts of human activities had emerged on the riparian meadow ecosystem. To achieve sustainability of regional ecological, social and economic development, the grassland stocking rates must be decreased and unnecessary construction projects reduced.