Abstract: The cellular automata simulation with discrete modeling of meandering reach is introduced to the investigating of service level of inland waterways. The meandering waterway is categorized as 4 categories（straight leg, curved leg, one way leg and bifurcated leg） and cellular movement laws are set up for them respectively. The cellular automata in characterized by the diversity in special and temporal evolution and accuracy in ship motion behavior simulation. The simulation environment construction and parameter setting are completed with programming language Python. The Yingongzhou waterway, down-stream of the Yangtze river is simulated as an example. The maximum traffic capacity and the service level of the reach is found. The overall saturation level of the waterway fluctuates strongly correlates with time. The potentials of simulation technology in service level evaluation of meandering inland water waterways are demonstrated.