Abstract: Pumped storage power stations play a crucial role in China’s water resource and hydropower development. However, after reservoir completion and operation, they may induce water level fluctuation zones characterized by periodic fluctuations, which hosts extremely delicate habitat conditions, posing a significant challenge for ecological restoration. This study systematically examines essential techniques for rock slope ecological restoration and methods for enhancing habitats in reservoir fluctuation zone. Focusing on the water-level fluctuation zone of the upper reservoir rock slope at Henan Tianchi Pumped Storage Power Station, we propose geocell and ecological bag composite engineering technology as a pivotal measure for ecological management. Considering the fluctuation rhythm of reservoir water and plants’ genetic characteristics, we recommend allocating long-term flood-resistant perennial herbs like Cynodon dactylon to the zone’s lower end. Shrubs and herbs with strong flood resistance, such as Salix variegates, Vitex negundo, Amorpha fruticose, Distylium chinense, and Cynodon dactylon, are suggested for the middle section. At the upper end, trees, shrubs, and grasses like Leucaena leucocephala, Morus alba, Amorpha fruticose, Vitex negundo, Salix variegates, Cynodon dactylon, and Abutilon theophrasti Medicus, along with locally adaptive species like Chenopodium album L. and Orychophragmus violaceus, are recommended. These findings offer valuable guidance for ecological management of reservoir rock slopes in water-level fluctuation zones of pumped storage power station.

Key words: rock slope in water level fluctuation zone, ecological restoration, plant configuration, pumped storage power station, Tianchi in Henan