Abstract: Water ecology problems of the Yangtze River drainage basin are historic and long-standing, which have attracted wide attentions. With the enhancement of national conservation efforts and the implementation of restoration measures, the water ecological health level of Yangtze River basin has improved; yet there is still a long way to go. According to regional differences, the Yangtze River was divided into three regions: the upper reaches, the mid-lower reaches, and the estuary reach. With regards to different river regions, the water ecological problems and their corresponding restoration and conservation measures are analyzed in detail. The water ecological problems in the Yangtze River basin could be summarized as follows: habitat degradation, fish resources reduction, river-lake isolation, and water-sludge pollution. On basin level, an operation mode of artificial restoration promoting natural recovery has been adopted to improve water ecological status. Last but not the least, suggestions for better restoration and conservation of water ecological environment in the Yangtze River basin are put forward.

Key words: Great Protection of Yangtze River, water ecological problems, Yangtze River Economic Belt, restoration measures, upper Yangtze River, mid-lower Yangtze River, Yangtze River estuary