The process of coastal area’s development in Jiangsu has undergone four stages：point development mode，surface extension mode，qualitative transformation and qualitative promotion. The development process and its effect both appeared to have stepwise progression. However，there is a huge gap in coastal area’s development between Jiangsu and other coastal areas. Therefore，we should scientifically assess the process of coastal area’s development in a historical perspective and with a strategic vision，accurately grasp the opportunities and challenges faced by the Jiangsu in coastal area’s development and provide decision support to achieve a new leap in Jiangsu coastal area’s development in the new stage.