Given the lack of a quantitative evaluation method， the paper presents a hierarchically structured method on the evaluation of distribution network planning according to the network characteristics. The evaluation method and implementation steps are proposed， including the performance indices and the planning evaluation. The current network and two planning alternatives of a district in Shanghai， China are evaluated using this method. The method includes a few new performance indices such as capabilities of against large area blackouts， matching degrees of high and medium voltage network power supply， margins of network expansion， etc， which reflect the adaptability and coordination of planning alternatives. The method can not only be used to compare a planned network against existing one， but also to evaluate various planning schemes. Case studies indicate that the method can take into account of the key elements quantitatively， and provide guidelines in the distribution network planning.