The history and methods of reclamation are considered as the main factors that drive human to disturb the coastal wetland ecosystems. In this study, a total of 129 samples were collected from the topsoil (0-20 cm) in Northern Liaodong Bay, and were determined for their physical and chemical properties (including salinity, pH, soil particle composition, SOC, NO₃-N, and AP) and heavy metal levels (including Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Pb). The heavy metals in soils were studied for sources and spatial distribution by using multivariate analysis and Inverse Distance Weight (IDW) interpolation method, and were evaluated for the potential ecological risk by using Hakanson's method. The results showed that: ①The levels of six heavy metals were significantly positively correlated (P<0.01) with each another. The Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn (excluding Pb) concentrations were significantly positively correlated (P<0.01) with the SOC, clay, and silt content, but were significantly negatively correlated (P<0.01) with the sand content. ②The levels of Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in soils might be influenced by industrial activities (chemical industry, paper, oil exploitation and processing). Continuous use of fertilizers and pesticides might increase the levels of Cd and Pb in soils. ③In the early stage of reclamation (1990s), soil erosion, leaching and desalination had significant effects on the distribution of heavy metals in soils. Until the 1960s, continuous agricultural fertilization, industrial activities (such as paper making, and petroleum exploitation), and urban expansion had greatly increased the levels of heavy metals in soils. ④Under the influence of different reclamation methods, except that the levels of Fe standardized Cd and Pb were higher in the aquaculture areas, while the levels of Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn were higher in natural areas (marsh and reeds) than in human areas (aquaculture areas, cultivated land and construction land). ⑤The average value of the comprehensive potential ecological risk index was 325.69, showing a high level of risk. The Cd accounted for 46.51% as the highest ecological risk element in samples, which was the major contributor to heavy metal pollution, especially in aquaculture and agricultural areas.