Abstract: A comprehensive evaluation index system of the riparian buffer strips was constructed by using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on the result of field survey on riparian, according to the characteristics of riparian zone in northern China. This index system offered 16 indicators according to the river health, bank stability, edaphic condition and vegetation status. The ecological riparian zone system states could be divided into four grades: perfect, good, normal and worse. The index system was used to evaluate the riparian buffer both firstlevel tributaries of Chishiqiao and Zihong rivers of the Qin river, and the result showed that Chishiqiao river was in “good” condition while Zihong river was in “normal” condition.