This paper describes the successful application of a pilot with sensors in a groyne alongside the Yellow River near Dayulan. The aim of this innovative application of the sensors is to create a real time monitoring system. The used monitoring system was designed based on the knowledge gained in the Dutch IJkdijk project ("IJkdijk is the Dutch word for Calibration levee"). The deployed sensors are tri - axialy MEMS (Micro - Electrical - Mechanical Systems) and an optical glass fibre system in a geotextile. The management system, ReadyMIND, links the sensor output to a dike stability analysis model and provides a GIS based interface offering continuous status information on the dike stability. This system also provides sophisticated simulation capability, and operational support, offering benefits in areas of emergency response planning and crisis management.