Based on the data of 10 tide-gauge stations along the coasts of China, the effects of sea-level rise on the recurrence of extreme water level of China^ʼs coastal areas in the 21st century under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenario were explored with the Pearson Ⅲ (P-Ⅲ) model. The results show that sea level rise may significantly shorten the recurrence of extreme water level. Under the RCP8.5 scenario, the recurrence of extreme water level was shortened most significantly. The once-in-a-century extreme water level at the 10 tide stations are estimated to change to recurrence periods of 9-43 years by 2050 and 1-18 years by 2100. In generally, the current low probability events of extreme water level is expected to be common by 2100. Under the RCP8.5 scenario, the 1 000-year recurrence period will be shortened to almost 200 years by 2100.