Abstract: The joint distribution of wave heights and periods is an important design basis of ocean engineering design, especially for floating structure design. Many theoretical models and empirical formulae for joint distribution of wave heights and periods have been proposed. In this paper, 1 year measured wave heights and periods data in north of the South China Sea are applied to examine the joint distribution models of wave heights and periods. The results show that the theoretical models of Longuet-Higgins, C.N.E.X.O., Sun and Zheng are not suitable to the South China Sea， while the empirical model of Bitner-Gregersen is suitable to this area. Additionally, the parameters of the BitnerGregersen formula are calibrated, and the contour of wave height and period is plotted. The results can be applied to the ocean engineering design in the South China Sea.