Abstract: In order to investigate the distribution and pollution characteristics of heavy metals in surface sediments of Fangchenggang inshore, the authors in this paper systematically collected 19 surface sediment samples in the study area to test 7 heavy metal elements. The results show that the average contents of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg and As in surface sediments are accordance with the requirements of marine functional zoning formulated by the government. The evaluation of single factor potential ecological risk index method indicates the potential ecological hazards of various heavy metals are Hg > Cu > Cd > As > Pb > Cr > Zn, which all belongs to low ecological risk except Hg. Low or medium potential risk is displayed by the potential risk index except station F17 and F19, and Hg was the main controlling factor for potential risk. The evaluation of geological accumulation index shows that there was slight pollution of Cu and Hg in the southern Qisha Peninsula, and the contents of these two ele-ments were between the threshold effect content and the possible effect content in some stations, meaning a certain probability of causing toxicity. Pb, Cr and As were mainly affected by terrigenous input sedimentation according to the correlation analysis and principal component analysis. While Cu and Zn were mainly from hull anti-corro-sion coatings and industrial sewage. The sources of Cd and Hg were relatively diversified, including both land-based rivers and electroplating, oil combustion, domestic or industrial sewage and mariculture.