Urban rivers are vital components of the urban ecosystem, offering recreational opportunities and contributing to various ecosystem services. Nevertheless, urbanization often causes water contamination, increasing the urgency for urban river restoration. Previous research has largely been confined to laboratory scales, which may not fully represent conditions found in natural settings, thus limiting the applicability of such findings. This study evaluates how bank configurations and hydrochemical characteristics influence submerged aquatic plant biomass and biodiversity in restored urban rivers (Hangzhou, China). Partial least squares regression (PLS), redundancy analysis (RDA), and fitting analysis were applied to explore plant-environment relationships. Results indicate that engineered revetments support higher biodiversity, while semi-natural revetments promote plant biomass. Plant growth is positively correlated with factors such as optimal water depth, low NO₃^⁻ concentrations, high conductivity, and elevated NH₃-N, but negatively affected by high turbidity. Specifically, increased DO and flow rate enhanced Potamogeton wrightii and Elodea nuttallii growth, whereas Najas marina, Cabomba caroliniana, and Ceratophyllum demersum favored wider channels and greater depths. Notably, Hydrilla verticillata demonstrated strong tolerance to nutrient stress, suggesting its potential as a pioneer species. This study elucidates the relationship between river environments and submerged plants, providing a "Zoning-Adaptation-Monitoring" framework for ecological restoration.