For existing problems in cooperation and development of international rivers, for example, insufficient information and poor communication within a river basin, in this paper it is explored the implication of transboundary monitoring mechanism. Furthermore, it is proposed a general mode of transboundary monitoring mechanism in terms of international river monitoring agreed framework, monitoring and management coordination organization, monitoring plan, execution, and feedback. Then it is presented the study cases of the transboundary monitoring mechanism for Rhine River, Danube River and other international rivers, it is also analyzed the present transboundary monitoring situation of main rivers in Southeast, Northwest and Southwest China. Finally, based on the joint monitoring experience of Rhine and Danube River basins as well as the joint monitoring situation between China and its neighboring countries, it is proposed several suggestions for China transboundary monitoring mechanism, i.e. establishing regional joint monitoring framework, improving the level of standardization and informatization of monitoring, and forming the multi-agent, diversified joint monitoring organization mode.