Abstract: It has prevailed that the sea level rise amounted to 10-20cm over the past 100 years. The recent predictions of greenhouse-related sea level rise in the next century vary considerable, but all agree that an acceleration is possible. This process has gradually reduced wave winnowing on submerged coastal sediments. At the same time, erosion on the upper beach by break waves has been enhanced. On the other hand, following the rise of sea level, the slopes of the river beds have been reduced, decreasing the fluvial sediment discharges. The lack of coastal sediment supply is a world-wide phenomenon. Combined with the increasing frequency of ELNino and Storm surge, beach erosion and land ward migration of sand barrier islands are the comprehansive results of adjusting the coastal dynamic balance responsing the century trend of sea level rising.By using the Bruun’s model, it is estimated that the major tourist beaches along the China coast zone will lose about 13-66% of their present area while sea level is continully rising to 50cm higher by the year of 2100. Beach protection by building up groin and artificial barrier and beach nourishment are the major methods used under such circumstances.

Key words: sea level, China coast zone, beach erosion, beach nourishment