Abstract: The distribution characteristics of zooplankton communities were discussed based on the survey data in the offshore waters of the Southern Yellow Sea and the East China Sea (23.5°N~35.0°N, 117.5°E~125.5°E) in summer, 2013. Seven phyla including 252 species (excluding 58 larval planktons) were identified. The zooplanktons were classified into six communities by cluster analysis with obvious ecological characteristics of of key species. Community Ⅰ was dominated by Centropages dorsispinatus, Sagitta enflata, Calanus sinicus, etc.; Community Ⅱ was dominated by C.sinicus, S.enflata, Temora turbinata, etc.; Community Ⅲ was dominated by C.sinicus and S.enflata; Community Ⅳ was dominated by T.turbinate, Diphyes chamissonis, Subeucalanus subcrassus, etc.; Community Ⅴ was dominated by Acartia pacifica and Labidocera euchaeta; Community Ⅵ was dominated by L.euchaeta, S.crassa and Pleurobrachia globosa. The distribution pattern of zooplankton in the Southern Yellow Sea and the East China Sea showed a higher agreement with water sphere. Difference in temperature and salinity in different water masses might be the main factor leading to the distribution pattern of zooplankton.