The river ports system in Jiangsu Province, including six principal ports, is an important part of the ports system in the Chanbjiang River delta, and of great importance in shaping urban and regional development as well as integrated transportation network. This paper, based on a comprehensive study, lays a particular emphasis on the locational advantages and strategic positions of the lower Changjiang River ports system in regional and national transportation network, and in national economic development. A systematic analysis has been carried out on the characteristics of modern development of the lower Changjiang River ports system in Jiangsu Province. The paper holds that the following factors have profound implications, on modern development of the ports system: 1) economic location of ports, 2) industrialization (in particular the development of heavy indu-stry) and overall economic growth of hinterland 3) national policies, and 4) the spatial diffusion effects of Shanghai port. Functional study aims at improving the comprehensive efficiency of the ports system. This paper provides deep insights into the flow of freight handled at the ports system at local, regional, national and international levela. A practical formula of Location Quotient is de-signed for determining the specialized commodities of the ports system quantitatively. This paper recognizes five essential problems of the lower Changjiang River ports system in Jiangsu Province, and provides insights into the development prospects of the ports system. In addition, the roles and effects of port development in establishing urban-industrial belt along the lower Changjiang River bank have been examined.