The research on the modernization index system of the Yangtze River waterway not only conforms to the developing trend of the world’s inland waterway，but also adapts to the actual demand of the regional economic growth and the development of the Yangtze River water transport.On the basis of analyzing the elements of the modernization of the Yangtze River waterway and its influential factors，this paper confirms the first grade index system of shipping modernization based on the eight indicators，i.e.,smoothness，high efficiency，safety，ecology，science and technology，rule，culture，social satisfaction.Through the quantitative analysis of the index system，some suggestions are put forward for the development of the Yangtze River waterway.