The concentrations of Cd, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Fe and Mn were analyzed in surface sediment samples from the Lijiang River, Guilin City. By using a potential ecological risk index, correlation analysis and cluster analysis, the pollution and accumulation of heavy metals in surface sediments were studied. The results showed that Cd is one of the major pollutants, other elements are minor ones. The pollutants affected by potential ecological risk coefficient are, in decreasing order, Cd, As, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cr.