Abstract: From 2011 to 2018, waterbirds diversity in 9 survey sites of 4 survey regions in Tianjin (Beidagang, Tanggu coastal area, Dahuangpu and Qilihai) was investigated using line transect and point count surveys during the winter season (November to December). A total of 54 species and 102 946 waterbirds were recorded, belonging to 7 orders, 13 families and 28 genera. Waterbirds of Anseriformes and Charadriiformes were the dominant group both in species and population and comprised 44.44% and 27.78% of the species of the community, respectively. Five of the recorded species were national first-grade protected species, including oriental white stork (Ciconia boyciana), relic gull (Larus relictus), black stork (Ciconia nigra), baers pochard(Aythya baeri) and saunder's gull (Larus saundersi). Ten of the recorded species were national second-grade protected species. Usiing the protected birds as indicator species, the priority conservation areas and ecological restoration areas were identified based on the diversity level of waterbird communities and interference degree of human activities in 9 survey sites. The results show that the sides of Chuqiku, Qilihai and Shangmatai are providing good wintering grounds for waterbirds and are less disturbed by human activities. Although the species diversity of waterbirds and the priority protection index in Beidagang Reservoir are both low, while they are important stations for migratory oriental white stork, whooper swan and other birds under protection with little interference from human activities. The diversity index and priority protection index of Tanggu Gaoshaling are both high, and a large number of rare birds such as relict gulls inhabit there in winter, and it should be a priority area for protection. Tangjiahekou and Duliu River have high diversity and species richness and Tangjiahekou is still the main wintering habitat of the relict gulls. However, it is greatly affected by human activities. The species and number of waterbirds wintering there have been decreasing year by year. In the wetland planning and construction, the artificial habitat in Tianjin coastal wetland is an important supplement to the natural habitat bird resources and plays an important role in the maintenance of the diversity of overwintering waterbirds and the protection of endangered species. As an area with high conservation value, the wetland ecological protection and restoration of the Tanggu tidal area should be strengthened.