Abstract: The spatial distribution, present status, and evolution rules of seabed villages ruins in Hainan Dongzhai Port were studied based on space archaeology by using high-precision UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) orthophoto images, digital elevation model (DEM), Landsat8 images, and field surveys. The results are showed as follows. Firstly, the seabed villages ruins are evenly distributed on both sides of the ancient channel of Dongzhai River. Secondly, some of the seabed villages ruins sink below the sea surface, and some of them are partially exposed after the tide ebbs because these ruins are located in the forefront area of the land-sea interaction, where the geological conditions are unstable. Thirdly, the seabed villages ruins near Linshi Village will continue to sink due to the influence of the earthquake events. The middle part of the ruins have been washed away by the tidal fluctuations, and that part covers an area of about 1 871.5 m² which accounts for 31.5% of the total area of the ruins. Overall, this study is important for the seabed villages ruins protection in Dongzhai Port and also has significance for the development of the Maritime Silk Road.

Key words: seabed villages ruins, space archaeology, UAV(unmanned aerial vehicles), Maritime Silk Road