Hydrodynamic characteristics of fluidization in conical or tapered beds differ from those in columnar beds due to the variation of superficial velocity in the axial direction of the beds. In the former, fixed and fluidized regions could coexist and the sharp peaking of the pressure drop could occur, thereby giving rise to a remarkable pressure drop-flow rate hysteresis loop at incipient fluidization. To explore these unique properties, a series of experiments was carried out in liquid-solid tapered fluidized beds with various tapering angles. Detailed visual observations of fluid and particle behavior and measurements of the pressure drops have led to the identification of five flow regimes. The tapering angle of the beds has been found to dramatically affect the beds’ behavior. Other hydrodynamic characteristics determined experimentally included the maximum pressure drop, minimum velocity of partial fluidization, minimum velocity of full fluidization, maximum velocity of partial defluidization, and maximum velocity of full defluidization. Models have been proposed to quantify the hydrodynamic characteristics of liquid-solid tapered fluidized beds. The results predicted by the models compare favorably with experimental data. Naturally, the models are applicable to liquid-solid columnar fluidized beds corresponding to the tapered beds with a tapering angle of zero.