Ecosystem health is a hot topic in ecological research. In this paper, the concept of river ecosystem health was generalized, and the main methods used to assess the health condition of river ecosystem was introduced, which are based on bioindictors such as epilithic algae (diatom specially), benthic invertebrate and fish, and were classified into two types in terms of their assessment principles. Based on research actuality, the development tendency in this area is put forward. The authors suggest that the relevant study should be carried out as soon as possible in China.