A depth-averaged 2-D numerical model for unsteady tidal flow in estuaries is established by use of the finite volume WENO scheme which maintains both uniform high order accuracy and an essentially non-oscillatory shock transition on unstructured triangular grid. The third order TVD Range-Kutta method is used for time discretization. The model has been firstly tested against four cases: 1) tidal forcing, 2) seiche oscillation, 3) wind setup in a closed bay, and 4) one-dimensional dam-break water flow. The results obtained in the present study compare well with those obtained from the corresponding analytic solutions idealized for the above four cases. The model is then applied to the simulation of tidal circulation in the Yangpu Bay, and detailed model calibration and verification have been conducted with measured tidal current in the spring tide, middle tide, and neap tide. The overall performance of the model is in qualitative agreement with the data observed in 2005, and it can be used to calculate the flow in estuaries and coastal waters. A depth-averaged 2-D numerical model for unsteady tidal flow in estuaries is established by use of the finite volume WENO scheme which maintains both uniform high order accuracy and an essentially non-oscillatory shock transition on unstructured triangular grid. The third order TVD Range The model has been first tested against four cases: 1) tidal forcing, 2) seiche oscillation, 3) wind setup in a closed bay, and 4) one-dimensional dam-break water flow. The results obtained in the present study compare well with those obtained from the corresponding analytic solutions idealized for the above four cases. The model is then applied to the simulation of tidal circulation in the Yangpu Bay, and detailed model calibration and verification have been conducted with measured tidal current in the spring tide, middle tide, and neap tide. The overall performance of the model is in qualitative agreement with the data observed in 2005, and it can be us ed to calculate the flow in estuaries and coastal waters.