【Objective】Based on the psychological perception of users, the key factors affecting the quality of the urban waterfront landscape are evaluated by quantitative methods, so as to provide a reference direction for the optimization of the urban waterfront landscape quality. 【Method】This paper took Zhonghuamen section of the Qinhuai River in Nanjing as the research object, and uses Semantic Differential (SD) method to evaluate the quality of the waterfront landscape of Zhonghuamen section of the Qinhuai River from the psychological perspective of users. Evaluation factors were developed from three aspects of landscape, ecology and humanity. Questionnaires were conducted on users for each evaluation factor to collect data and SPSS software was used for a further analysis of the data. 【Result】The results show that the waterfront landscape in Zhonghuamen section of the Qinhuai River is highly evaluated by the users for its hydrophilicity, coastline form, landscape aesthetic degree, cleanliness of the environment and historical and cultural continuity, but less evaluated for its visual range, environmental visual interest, vegetation coverage rate and recreational activity diversity. Based on the evaluation results, it is concluded that the important factors affecting the waterfront landscape quality are public participation, plant diversity and river water quality. In combination with the landscape status of Zhonghuamen Section of the Qinhuai River, it is proposed to improve the integration of the waterfront landscape and regional culture, highlight the uniqueness of the Qinhuai River landscape and enhance the sense of belonging of visitors. Secondly, it is proposed to attach importance to public participation, strengthen the initiative and effectiveness of public participation, enrich the space function of Zhonghuamen section of the Qinhuai River and enhance the vitality of the waterfront landscape. Thirdly, it is proposed to strengthen the protection and treatment of the Qinhuai River water quality, improve the vegetation coverage, and make full use of aquatic plants to create the waterfront ecological landscape in order to give visitors ecological experience of getting close to nature. 【Conclusion】Through the evaluation of perceived objects, the introduction of SD method to analyze visitors’ psychological perception provides a reference path for the quality evaluation of the urban waterfront landscape, which is helpful to focus on the scientific analysis of urban waterfront landscape efficiency and promote the sustainable development of the urban waterfront landscape. This evaluation method can provide a reference for the optimization of the urban waterfront landscape in the future.