From May 2012 to January 2013, zoobenthos community in 8 urban rivers of 8 districts in Shanghai was investigated. Water quality of the river was assessed based on the structure of zoobenthos community. A total of 43 zoobenthos species belonging to 3 phyla,19 families and 33 genera were identified, among which Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Chironomus flaviplumus were dominant. The annual density of zoobenthos averaged 382 ind/m² and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri contributed the most (56.1%) of the gross. The annual biomass of zoobenthos averaged 24.62 g/m² and Bellamya aeruginosa contributed the most (86.0%) of the gross. The zoobenthos had the highest density in summer, followed by winter, autumn and spring. The highest biomass was in winter, followed by autumn, summer and spring. The highest density was in Xujiazhai River of Zhabei District, and the lowest density was in Youyi River of Minhang District. The highest biomass was in Yonggan River of Jinshan District, and the lowest biomass was in Xujiazhai River of Zhabei District. The evaluation by biological index indicated that the water quality of Shanghai urban rivers was of slight to serious pollution. In 8 urban rivers of 8 districts in Shanghai, only Pilu River of Chongming District was in slight pollution, Youyi River of Minhang District, Zhonghenggang River of Qingpu District, Maojiatang River of Baoshan District were in moderate pollution. Xinlugang River of Fengxian District, Yonggan River of Jinshan District, Qumen River of Jading District, Xujiazhai River of Zhabei District were in serious pollution. Biotic Index (BI) and Goodnight Biotic Index (GBI) were much more suitable for the evaluation of river water quality in Shanghai urban rivers compared with Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Margalef species richness index,and Pielou index.