Abstract: In this study, based on archaeological survey to Maqiao cultural site,Shanghai, the methods of environmental archaeology and historic geography are employed to understand the Middle and Late Holocene environmental changes of Maqiao area.It is found, consequently, that this area was in a shallow sea environment around 7 200 a BP.Between 6 100 a BP and 4 400 a BP,it got rid of sea transgression,Liangzhu Culture (5~4 ka BP) developed.At its late stage, a large-scale deluge took place in this area,it made the Liangzhu Culture disappear abruptly,and then, Maqiao Culture (4~3 ka BP) developed.At its Late stage,the water spaceexpaned, this area,therefore, was not suitable for human being to domicile.Until Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty,most part of the present land formed.After that,there were several times of sea transgression, but the coastline merely flickered around Jinshanwei, and the sea water never transgressed Maqiao.