The rare earth elements (REEs) in the sediments of the Xianghai wetlands were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. The REEs accumulation rates in two sedimentation cores derived from the riparian and depressional marshes were determined by (210)Pb method. The results showed that REEs concentrations in the Xianghai wetland sediments (PREEs, 116 mg kg(-1)) were lower than the corresponding values in Chinese soils (181 mg kg(-1)) and river sediments (PREEs, 158-191 mg kg(-1)). Under alkaline conditions (with pH, 8.2-10.3), the light REEs were more enriched than the heavy REEs. Cerium is the predominant element, and accounts for 30-33% of the total REEs. REEs in the depressional marsh sediments were relatively high (PREEs, 127 vs. 104 mg kg(-1)), especially light REEs contents. A significantly positive correlation was found between the neighboring elements except Pr and Dy. The different types of vertical distribution of REEs between the riparian and the depressional marsh can partly result from long-term differing hydrological regimes. Generally, depressional marsh had accumulated much more REEs than riparian marsh (the mean accumulation rates of Sigma REEs,102.98 vs. 48.89 mu g cm(-2) year(-1)).