Abstract: The health of urban rivers is the key factor to realize the normal operation of ecosystem and the value of social service. Taking Liji River in Zhaotong city, northeast Yunnan province as an example, a river health evaluation index system was established, which included 5 elements and 12 indicators, such as physical structure, hydrology and water quality, biological status, social service and management status according to the characteristics of the river and referring to the relevant studies at home and abroad. The health status of Liji River In 2019 was evaluated. The results showed that the health status of the upper reaches of Liji River was in the third class(sub-health state), and the rest of the river was only in the fourth class, which was in an unhealthy state. It was urgent to improve the health status of the river.