[Objective] The pollution characteristics and potential ecological risk of heavy matals in reclaimed industrial sites were investigated in order to provide scientific basis for the management and remediation of similar reclaimed industrial sites.[Methods] Eight heavy metals(As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg) were quantitatively analyzed in the surface, subsurface and deep soil of thirty-three typical reclaimed industrial sites in Shanghai City. The potential ecological risk and pollution degree of heavy metals in the sites were evaluated by using Nemerow index and potential ecological risk index.[Results] ① The risk of 8 heavy metals was acceptable overall. The contents of heavy metals in 17 points were higher than the screening value, while the pollution of Cu and Zn in surface soil was the most prominent. The average contents of 8 heavy metals in subsurface and deep soils were lower than the background value of Shanghai City, with certain accumulation of heavy metals in some points; ② The Nemerow index of heavy metals in vertical soil profile was 1.21, 0.78 and 0.73 respectively, was in a light pollution or still clean level. Among which, Cd and Zn in surface soil were the most prominent; ③ The heavy metals in the reclaimed industrial sites were all at a slightly latent ecological risk level, except of Hg(medium) and Cd(medium) in surface soil. The potential ecological risk of surface soil was 107.22, which was close to a medium level, while the risks of subsurface and deep soil were mild.[Conclusion] The soil heavy metals in the sites were in an accumulative pollution to certain extent and the pollution of Cu, Cd, Hg and Zn were the most prominent. If the toxic response factors were concerned, Hg and Cd should be paid more attention.