China Water Resources

Enhancing China's capacity in responding to extreme precipitation and flood disasters

Research on digital twin technology for the whole process of water conservancy engineering survey

Comprehensively improving the digital service level of engineering survey is crucial for accelerating the construction of digital twin in water conservancy. In accordance with the requirements of “demanddriven, application-oriented, digital empowerment, and capability enhancement”, it is necessary to deepen the digital mapping, intelligent simulation, and forward-looking rehearsal of all elements in survey production, so as to promote the quality and efficiency of survey and design work, realize digital empowerment, and achieve intelligent early warning and control of geological risks. In view of the current situation in China's water conservancy survey field, where understanding of survey digital twin is not unified, achievements are fragmented, and technical routes are immature, this paper proposes a collaborative mechanism for the whole process of water conservancy engineering survey digital twin, consisting of “digital collection-modeling and simulation-twin application-standard construction”. The connotation, application requirements, construction contents, and key technologies of survey digital twin are clarified, and a digital twin platform for water conservancy engineering survey is constructed. The platform includes an “sky-space-earth integrated” data acquisition system, a 2D and 3D real-scene cataloging system, a 3D geological modeling system, a rock slope design system, a “one-map” system for water conservancy engineering survey, and a geotechnical construction management and control system, thereby realizing whole-process digital operations and result delivery. Practice shows that this technology and platform enable dynamic management and control of the entire survey process through digital twin technology, providing a referable solution for digital twin development in the water conservancy industry and supporting the construction of smart water conservancy.

Conception and research prospect of future “water conservancy 5.0”

Water conservancy is an important support and fundamental guarantee for national economic and social development. Scientifically assessing the future development trends of water conservancy and preparing to meet new challenges and historical missions are of great significance. On the basis of reviewing “water conservancy 4.0”, the conception of “water conservancy 5.0” is proposed, with a preliminary judgment that “water conservancy 5.0” will be the stage of symbiotic water conservancy during 2036-2060. Its main characteristics are: relying on relatively sound water engineering construction, ecological water conservancy construction, and intelligent technology application, and taking the harmonious symbiosis of human-water relationship as the fundamental water situation, to carry out comprehensive “grand water conservancy” work. The reasons for proposing “water conservancy 5.0” are explained, and the framework of “water conservancy 5.0” is described, namely that at this stage a multi-dimensional harmonious symbiosis of water conservancy, a relatively well-developed supporting system, and a harmonious symbiosis development pattern should have been formed. Preparations to be initiated in the decade before its arrival(2025-2035) are planned in advance, including ideological, administrative, engineering, technological, and educational readiness. Finally, the key research directions of the “water conservancy 5.0” stage(2036-2060) are briefly predicted in six aspects: theory and methodology, technological research and development, ecological construction, intelligent services, engineering construction, and operational management, providing a reference for the strategic layout of water conservancy and the prediction of water science and technology development.

Evolution and implications of the indicator system for China's water conservancy development planning

Since the 12 th Five-Year Plan, the goals and indicators set out in each plan have collectively reflected the development concepts and directions of the new era. Based on publicly available policy documents on water conservancy development planning from the 12 th to the 14 th Five-Year Plan periods, this study systematically reviews and analyzes the evolutionary trajectory and structural changes of the indicator system, revealing the fundamental characteristics and transformation trends of China's water conservancy development in the new era. The results show that the indicator system has evolved from being dominated by engineering construction and water supply security to a multi-objective composite system encompassing water conservation and intensive utilization, water ecological protection and restoration, basic public services for water conservancy, and digital and intelligent governance. At present, water conservancy development in China is shifting from an engineering-dominated approach to one that balances resource conservation and ecological protection, and is further advancing toward integration with intelligent modern governance. This process reflects a transition in national water management strategy from scale expansion during the high-speed growth stage to conservation-intensive and ecologically coordinated development in the stage of high-quality growth, signifying an elevated and transformed positioning of water conservancy in the national economic strategy. A five-category analytical framework for water conservancy development planning indicator system is innovatively constructed, clarifying their evolutionary characteristics, providing a structured perspective for understanding water management logic in the new era, and offering empirical evidence and policy references for optimizing water security planning indicators and enhancing governance capacity in the 15 th Five-Year Plan period.

Source control of urban flooding and enhancement of urban resilience——practice and effectiveness of the flood safety assessment system in Guangzhou

To implement the requirements of resilient city development and promote the transformation of urban flood management from passive end-of-pipe treatment to systematic source control, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, took the national lead in 2021 by introducing a flood safety assessment system during the urban planning stage. Since its implementation, significant results have been achieved in areas such as spatial control of river networks, implementation of flood control and drainage facilities, realization of sponge storage facilities, and waterlogging management. From 2022 to 2024, through flood safety assessments in 481 regulatory detailed plans, 1001 km of planned river and lake control lines and 18.54 million m³ of sponge storage facilities were implemented. Using Guangzhou as an example, the development process and effectiveness of the flood safety assessment system were summarized, and the assessment contents and requirements were analyzed. The study shows that flood safety assessment is a key innovative mechanism to address the current urban flood dilemma: first, shifting the focus of urban flood management from post-event response to pre-event control, strengthening guidance and supervision during the planning stage, and controlling flood safety from the source; second, improving urban flood resilience through integrated measures and three-dimensional defense. Based on Guangzhou's exploratory practice, it is proposed that flood safety should be regarded as a rigid constraint in urban development, and that urban flood management should shift from adversarial defense to resilience governance, with strengthened application of flood risk analysis techniques and results in urban planning. This provides insights for resilient city development and serves as a reference for other cities in China.

Research and application of X-band hydrological radar rainfall retrieval model in Hunan Province

To address the limitations of traditional rain gauge networks, such as extensive monitoring blind spots and insufficient spatiotemporal resolution, in mountain flood prevention, this study develops a highprecision rainfall retrieval model based on X-band dual-polarization hydrological radar using observational data from four radars in Hunan Province. Combining traditional empirical modeling with machine learning techniques, a multi-parameter joint retrieval approach was established. In the empirical models, relationships between reflectivity(Z_H), specific differential phase(K_DP), and differential reflectivity(Z_DR) and rainfall intensity were constructed to estimate precipitation. The machine learning models applied algorithms including k-nearest neighbor(KNN), support vector regression(SVR), random forest(RF), artificial neural network(ANN), and recurrent neural network(RNN) for rainfall fitting. Results show that among the empirical models, the Z_H-R model performs best when rainfall intensity is below 10 mm/h, whereas the K_DP-R model performs better when it exceeds 10 mm/h. Among the machine learning models, the RNN achieves the best performance, with a root mean square error(RMSE) of 3.125, a coefficient of determination(R²) of 0.981, and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.992, outperforming both other machine learning and empirical models. The integration of X-band radar with multi-parameter correction and machine learning techniques significantly enhances rainfall retrieval accuracy, providing more reliable data support for the “three defense lines” system in mountain flood disaster prevention.

An analysis of the scientific connotation and construction path of ecological dams

For a long time, the construction of dams has involved contradictions and trade-offs between socioeconomic benefits and ecological impacts, which has triggered discussions and debates in related fields.In the new historical period, guided by Xi Jinping's thought on ecological civilization, the Ministry of Water Resources has proposed the construction of “ecological dams” as a strategic response and innovative practice to this fundamental issue. Although many studies and practices have been carried out on the ecological and environmental effects of dams and corresponding mitigation measures, comprehensive and systematic analyses of the scientific connotation of ecological dams are still limited, and specific construction pathways remain unclear. From the two aspects of controllable ecological impacts and the realization of ecological benefits, the basic concept and scientific connotation of ecological dams are proposed. Based on the whole life cycle of dams, including planning, design, construction, impoundment, and operation and maintenance, the key points of ecological dam construction are analyzed, including that planning and design should minimize ecological risks, ecological impacts during construction and impoundment should be controllable, and operation and management should maintain the ecological health of both reservoirs and downstream rivers. Furthermore,the establishment of monitoring and evaluation systems and technical standards is suggested as a pathway to promote the construction of ecological dams at the present stage.

Overall framework and countermeasures for safeguarding water security in the Yellow River basin during The 15th Five-Year Plan period

The Yellow River, known as the mother river of the Chinese nation, serves as an important benchmark for the governance of major rivers, a vital ecological security barrier, a key pilot zone for highquality development, and a crucial area for preserving and promoting Chinese culture. This paper summarizes the implementation achievements of the water security plan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period in the Yellow River basin and analyzes the challenges faced in Yellow River protection and management during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, including the urgent need to enhance flood and sediment regulation capacity and improve the basin flood control engineering system; the long-term tight balance between water supply and demand; the need to strengthen water conservation and intensive utilization; the still unstable results of water ecological protection and restoration; the incomplete Digital Twin Yellow River system; and the continued need to improve water governance mechanisms, institutions, and legal management. In line with the strategic arrangements proposed in the “Proposal of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development”, and focusing on the goal of “promoting high-quality development of water conservancy to ensure national water security”, this paper puts forward countermeasures for improving the three major systems for basin flood and drought disaster prevention, strengthening the systems for water conservation, intensive utilization, and optimal allocation,enhancing the system for water ecological protection and restoration, and comprehensively improving scientific and technological innovation as well as basin governance and management capacities.

Challenges and technological innovation requirements for building safe dams in China

China has a large number of reservoir dams, and their safety constitutes an important component of the national water security strategy. In the context of frequent extreme hydrological events induced by global climate change, increasingly complex environmental conditions faced by dams, and the growing demand for effective risk prevention and quality development, Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying proposed the initiative of “building safe dams, ecological dams and smart dams” at the 28th ICOLD Congress. To further deepen the understanding of “safe dams”, this paper outlines the current status of dam construction and overall dam safety in China. By comparing the traditional concept of dam safety with the requirements of high-quality development in the new era, it clarifies the connotation of constructing safe dams and analyzes the main challenges currently faced, including the safety risks of medium and low-earth-rockfill dams under climate change, the safety risks of high dams under complex construction conditions, and the basin system safety risks arising from cascade development. The paper emphasizes that building safe dams depends on technological innovation, elaborates on technological progress achieved in enhancing the intrinsic safety of small and medium-sized reservoir dams, ensuring the safety of ultra-high dams, and constructing smart dams, and proposes further needs for scientific and technological innovation and technical advancement in related fields.These efforts aim to support the construction of safe dams and the establishment of a comprehensive dam safety assurance system.

Trend analysis of water quality changes and countermeasures at the Taocha Canal Head

As the “water tap” of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the water quality at the Taocha Canal Head is directly related to the water and ecological security of hundreds of millions of people in North China. Currently, the water quality at the Taocha Canal Head is generally excellent,though fluctuations in its classification still occur. Analysis of monitoring data from 2017 to 2024 for the Danjiangkou Reservoir and the Taocha Canal Head section shows that the water quality at the Taocha Canal Head has remained at Class I(evaluated according to river water quality standards), while indicators such as total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, and permanganate index occasionally exceed Class I standards. Total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, and permanganate index are the key indicators affecting the water quality classification at the Taocha Canal Head section, whereas inflow discharge, water level, and water temperature are the main environmental factors driving water quality variations. In addition, algal proliferation and local hydrodynamic conditions may intensify water quality fluctuations. Based on these findings, management measures are proposed, including optimizing the water quality and quantity monitoring system, strengthening the application of the Digital Twin Hanjiang River, enhancing comprehensive basin risk control, and deepening studies on water quality evolution. These measures provide a scientific basis and practical reference for maintaining excellent water quality at the Taocha Canal Head section and strengthening water quality security in the water source area of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

Water Rights and Water Markets: Discussing Economic Means for Achieving Optimal Allocation of Water Resources

This article serves as a speech outline prepared for the 2000 annual conference of the China Institute of Water Resources. On March 30, 1999, during the Seventh National Congress of the China Institute of Water Resources, I presented the viewpoint of "transitioning from engineering water resources to resource-based water resources." That speech cannot be considered a purely academic theoretical article; rather, it was a set of requirements for water resources work based on the practical development of water resources. It aimed to initiate a major discussion on "how China's water resources should face the 21st century" and fulfilled my responsibilities as a leader. Similarly, "Water Rights and Water Markets", although discussing issues of water economics, does not make me an expert in this field. Instead, the urgent demand for the reform and development of water resources in China requires us to research and address such topics. I have merely laid the groundwork to draw attention to this issue.

The Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan(2021—2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 of P. R. China

Analysis of Water Supply and Demand in 21st Century China: Ecological Water Conservancy Research

Facing the resource and environmental challenges in 21st-century China, the issue of water is particularly severe. Scarcity and wastage coexist; abundance and ecological imbalance coexist; contamination and poor management coexist. In fact, there are interconnected and transformative relationships among water resources, water disasters, and water environments. Water, as a core element of ecology and the environment, has positive effects when utilized efficiently as a water resource. However, fluctuations in its abundance and scarcity can lead to water-related disasters, while its quality evolution is closely related to water management and environmental protection efforts...

Speech at the Symposium on Ecological Protection and High-quality Development of the Yellow River Basin

Objectives of River Ecological Restoration

While water conservancy engineering construction has brought significant benefits to the economy and society, it has also posed threats to river ecosystems. Reflecting on this, people have raised questions about how to restore river ecosystems to compensate for the damage. Scholars from various countries have different views and definitions regarding the objectives of river ecological restoration. Considering the national conditions of China, when researching and implementing river ecological restoration, it is essential to base the efforts on the current status of river ecosystems. Creating favorable conditions and harnessing the self-recovery mechanisms of ecosystems are crucial steps in gradually restoring river corridor ecosystems.

A preliminary discussion of the engineering ethics and advanced cultural in Dujiang Weir

The Chinese people has thousands years of history for water governance.The practices of water governance,utilization and management of successive dynasties have left us with rich material,institutional and spiritual wealth.In order to explore the multiple values of this world cultural heritage,discussions are made on the contribution of those outstanding water projects represented by Dujiang Weir,so that Chinese wisdom and China's plan can be developed to address issues of imbalance between water supply and demand and other water crisis.Eco-friendly water project construction in the new age should be led by advanced water culture,with learning from good practices of Dujiang Weir from conservation and cultural prospective,so as to build a society with harmony of man and water and water structures in a modernized and eco-friendly ways.

Human activity and the global climate change and its impact on water resources

In understanding the effect of human activity on the global climate change for recent 100 years, IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) has played a key role. During 17 years from 1990, IPCC has continuously gained insight into better understanding on the global climate change during the recent 100 years mainly caused by human activity, with its four assessment reports. This achievement has been made with provision of three aspects of evidences: (1) rapid increase in greenhouse gases since preindustrial era (after 1750); (2) temperature rise or warning of surface, tropospospere and oceans; (3) 100-yr climate simulations since 1900 for detection and attribution of the past climate change. These results have shown that recent 100-yr warming is jointly caused by natural climate fluctuation and anthropogenic activity, but most of recent 50-yr climate change is caused by the authropogenic activity. The present paper has first reviewed this issue. Then, the debates and uncenrtainties of global climate change issue have been discussed. The global climate change has had a significant impact on global water resources and management. This issue is further discussed based on changes in temperature, precipitation, sea level rise and evapotranspiration, which may be a necessary scientific basis for adaptation.

Discussions on key issues of water ecological civilization construction

How to understand water ecological civilization construction? On the basis of the interpretation of the spirit of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,this paper analyses and discusses several key issues of water ecological civilization as follows.First,the definition and connotation of water ecological civilization are given and the links between water ecological civilization construction and ecological civilization construction proposed by the state are elaborated.In addition,this paper analyses the crucial issues which should be paid attention to during the process of advancing water ecological civilization,and proposes specific recommendations to help to make the 5 goals of water ecological civilization come to be realized.

Thought of ancient "sponge city" : experiences of applying water-adaptive landscape

"Sponge city" is regarded as a new approach to deal with serious ecological and environmental problems under the process of fast urbanization at present. In ancient times, we have accumulated valuable experiences of building adaptive landscapes in the process of water resources management over a long period of time and fighting against various water disasters, such as selection of site of settlement, water resources management in cities and formation of cities. This approach has reflected the thought of "sponge city" that has great significance to the design of city landscape. Research and studies on adaptive landscape in ancient cities by academic field both home and abroad in recent decades are introduced, among which the study results from the Middle East, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and ancient mayan civilization are plenty and most of the studies focus on water diversion and storage works. The contents and type of adaptive landscape are affected by precipitation and landscape characters. The key areas of current studies have transformed from single factors such as flood control or drought relief into comprehensive research including examining complex structure and complicated functions of water landscape. Along with development of modern technology, how to improve theories of "sponge city" construction and practice has become a key subject for modern landscape design, facing the increasingly degradation of water environment and ecosystem and the fact of heritages of water landscape in ancient cities have been damaged and disappeared with each passing day.

The Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan(2021—2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 of P. R. China