Abstract: The effect of national or local polices on landscape pattern change is the current research focus. This study discussed the landscape pattern change in coastal regions of Liaoning Province following the policy of “fivepoint and one line”. Through using transition matrix and landscape metrics, this paper studied the change of landscape pattern of coastal areas and its driving force from 2000 to 2010 based on RS and GIS technology. Results showed that the urban area  increased, while the farmland and wetland area were decreased. The landscape kept changing among different categories frequently. Landscape changes in different cities maintained similar dynamics. The landscape patterns developed equalized, the different landscape categories distributed relatively evenly, and the shape of patches became more complex. At the same time, the landscape fragmentation of coastal areas in Huludao, Yingkou and Jinzhou were more serious. Among which, the landscape fragmentation of coastal area was increased in Huludao and Jinzhou, while Yingkou kept a reverse trend. The landscape fragmentation in Dalian, Dandong and Panjin went down gradually. The landscape pattern change was mainly affected by human disturbance. Natural factors were also an important element which could not be ignored. This study provides reference for ecological, economic and social sustainable development and regional planning in Liaoning coastal regions.

Key words: diachronic study, ecological relocation, Wulingyuan Scenic Area, perceptions, residents&rsquo, world heritage site