Abstract: Based on the MSS, TM, ETM and OLI remote sensing image data collected in 1973, 1990, 2000 and 2016, respectively, as well as the topographic data available, we made a detailed study on the coastline changes in Xiamen and surrounding areas. A coastline classification and interpretation guidelines are established, and a 4-phase coastline system of the research area was recognized with human-computer interaction method. At last, the characteristics of coastline change in this area for the past 40 years are proposed as the results. The results show that from 1973 to 2016, the coastline of the study area was generally under an increasing trend, and the total length increased from 759 376 m to 885 433 m. The growth rate was 0.94% from 1973 to 1990, 6.29% from 1990 to 2000, and 8.67% from 2000 to 2016, in which the growth of artificial coastline dominates; The coastline increment in the north of the study area is significantly higher than that in the south during the past 40 years, in particular, in the north of Shijing Town, the Longjiao and the Xiamen Island.The coastline change around Jiulongjiang Bay is also very prominent in the period of 1990-2016. However, the coast around the Jinmen Island has remained stable since 1973. With the increase in demand for coastal land, human activities, especially land reclamation, has become the driving force for the sustained growth of artificial coastline in the region.