Microplastic pollution is ubiquitous in the marine environment and the consumption of shellfish containing microplastics may pose a risk to human health. This study investigated the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in three commonly consumed shellfish in the coastal region of Jiangsu Province, China. The average abundance of microplastics in shellfish varied from 0.33 to 9.33 items/individual (0.06–0.92 items/g, wet weight of soft tissue). Microplastic abundance in Jiangsu was relatively low compared to studies from other regions of China and worldwide. Synthetic fibers (66.20%) were predominant and included rayon (34.84%) and polyester (23.23%), indicating that the majority of particles originated from the discharge of clothing fibers in domestic sewage. Transparent (66.20 %) particles were the most common, particle size was generally less than 500 μm (62.30%), and abundance decreased as the particle size increased. The average annual intake of microplastics by Jiangsu coastal residents via the consumption of common bivalves was estimated to be 1088.64 items/person/year. This study provides data to support ecological and health risk assessments for microplastics in the Jiangsu coastal region.