The critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise inhabits areas in the near-shore shallow waters, and particularly prefers areas with natural muddy or sandy riverbanks. However, a considerable stretch of the natural riverbank of the Yangtze main stem has been replaced by artificial riverbanks since the 1990s, such as rocky and dock banks. Artificial riverbanks appear to cause destructive effects on the ecological environment of the Yangtze river. However, the effects of artificial riverbanks on the Yangtze finless porpoise remain largely unknown. In this study, twelve consecutive surveys were conducted in two nature reaches of the Yangtze River (~57 km) from March 2016 to January 2017. The data recorded included abundance and distribution patterns of the Yangtze finless porpoise, and the styles of the riverbank. A total of 215 porpoises were sighted during the twelve surveys, with a range of 9-32 per survey. The average number of porpoises was 17.92±7.09 individuals per survey. No significant difference was found in the number of porpoises observed in different seasons (P>0.05). The total the artificial riverbank per 3 km (r=-0.639, P<0.01). In the natural riverbank, 31.8% of the porpoises were sighted within 50 m in-shore. However, in the artificial riverbank, only two porpoises were sighted within 50 m in-shore. These findings may suggest that the artificial riverbank has caused habitat loss and fragmentation for the Yangtze finless porpoise. This factor should be considered when drawing up measures to conserve and restore the continuity of the Yangtze finless porpoise habitat.