Abstract: The water quality and algal density of the littoral zone around Lake Taihu was determined in spring and summer of 2010. The wind information during two sampling periods was collected and collated during the same period. The temporal and spatial distributions of water quality, algal density and wind information in the littoral zone were studied. The partial correlations between algal density and the factors of water quality and wind function were analyzed. The results showed that the algal densities in spring (1.88×10⁶L^-1) were lower than those in summer (1.75×10⁸L^-1). The algal densities were higher in the sampling sites of Zhushanwan, Meiliangwan and west side of the lake. The temporal and spatial variation of water quality in the littoral zone of Lake Taihu was significant. The concentrations of TP, TN, NO₃^--N, NH₃-N, COD_Mn were 0.10,4.48,0.99,2.36,6.46mg/L in spring, were 0.16,2.09,0.60,0.43,6.73mg/L in summer, 2010. Higher concentrations of TP, TN, NO₃^--N, NH₃-N and COD_Mn, and lower transparency were found in Zhushanwan, Meiliangwan and the west side. The positive wind function values were dominant in both spring and summer, with the averages of 0.26and 0.73, respectively. The higher wind function values were often found in Meiliangwan, Gonghu and the west side. The partial correlation analysis revealed that the algal density significantly positive was correlated wind function values in both spring and summer. Transparency was the only factor for water quality that was significantly correlated with algal density in spring, while the concentration of COD_Mn and SS had significant positive and pH had significant negative correlations with algal density in summer. The results indicated that nitrogen and phosphorus were not the limitation factors for the algal bloom in Lake Taihu that produces serious eutrophic condition. However, wind function, lake current and the “pocket-liking” geographic pattern of Zhushanwan and Meiliangwan, are important driving factors for algal distribution. Additionally, the pollution from inlet rivers, aquatic plants and zooplanktons can affect on the distribution of algal density in the littoral zone of Lake Taihu.