[Objective] Runoff and sediment characteristics of three rivers in China were compared based on data updated dynamically, in order to provide a basis for basin development and management. [Methods] Runoff and sediment data for the Yellow River (Lijin station), Yangtze River (Datong station), and Pearl River (Gaoyao, Shijiao, Boluo stations) from 1960 to 2020 were used with the moving average method, the Pettitt test method, the double mass curve method, and the wavelet transform method to study the trend, mutagenicity, and periodicity characteristics of runoff and sediment fluxes. Additionally, the cross wavelet transform and wavelet coherence spectrum were used to investigate the resonance period and coherence of runoff and sediment flux. [Results] The runoff and sediment fluxes of the Yellow River, Yangtze River and Pearl River into the sea have changed significantly during the past 60 years. Runoff and sediment discharge of the Yellow River decreased in 1986, and the sediment volume decreased abruptly again in 1997. Runoff of the Yangtze River and Pearl River fluctuated and the sediment discharge decreased abruptly in 1992 and 1999, respectively. The runoff and sediment changes for the three rivers were characterized by significant interannual and interdecadal cycles. Specifically, the interdecadal co-evolution cycles of runoff and sediment in the Yellow River, Yangtze River, and Pearl River were concentrated before 1980, 1990, and 2000, respectively, and the interannual co-evolution cycle was five years, with frequent“abundance-depletion”transitions. The results of the cross wavelet analysis showed that the runoff and sediment of the three rivers exhibited a significant 1—3 year resonance cycle with predominantly positive phase evolution during 1965—1975. [Conclusion] The runoff and sediment fluxes into the sea of the three major rivers of China were characterized by significant trend, mutagenicity and periodicity. Watershed development and management would be more effective in accordance with those characteristics.