In order to investigate the effect of vegetation restoration on soil pH, organic matter and main nutrient elements (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)), taking the tidal flat as the control, different mangrove restoration modes (Aegiceras corniculatum, Kandelia obovate and mixed forest) in the Quanzhou Bay estuarine wetland were selected in this study. The results showed that soil pH and organic matter contents varied vertically under different restoration modes. Compared with the control, the restoration of mangrove significantly decreased soil pH (P<0.05), but increased soil organic matter contents (P<0.05). Under different restoration modes, the contents of alkali-hydrolyzable N, available P, available K, and total K increased with the increase of soil depth, while the contents of total P decreased with soil depth. Compared with the control, the mangrove restoration increased the contents of main soil nutrients (N, P, and K) in the surface soil, especially in the mixed forest (P<0.05). Our results indicated that different mangrove restoration modes have significant regulatory effects on soil physiochemical properties and nutrient dynamics. Among them, the mixed forest mode significantly improved soil nutrient dynamics through efficient utilization of aboveground and underground space, improving soil structure and quality, and increasing biomass and nutrient return, which is the optimal model for vegetation restoration in the estuarine area. The results can provide scientific reference for strengthening nutrient management and maintaining nutrient balance of estuarine mangrove wetland.