Abstract:  Water resources in Yangtze River basin are abundant in total amount, yet are unevenly distributed in time and space with seasonal water  shortage in some local areas. The water resources in Yangtze River basin, both in volume and quality, should be allocated in line with the demands of different seasons and be integrated with the balance among society, economy and eco-environment in the basin. The water resources allocation in important regions and dry seasons in association with stringent water resources management should be focused to achieve an optimized and rational allocation.

Key words: utilization and development of water resources  ,  water resources allocation ,    Yangtze River basin  ,   key issues