Developing new quality productive forces in water conservancy field is both an intrinsic requirement and a key focus for implementing the national “river strategy”. It addresses both current and emerging water problems, enhances basin safety and protection, and promotes high-quality economic and social development. In view of the main features and challenges in the new stage of governing and protecting the Yangtze River, we explore the pathways and principles of forming new quality productive forces covering scientific and technological innovations in ecological water conservancy, digitization and intelligence of production elements, and the green transformation and upgrading of industries. Furthermore, we propose to strengthen natural-based water engineering, digital twins, water conservation, pollution and carbon emission reduction, as well as watershed management modernization to advance the ecological, intelligent, green and modernized development of the Yangtze River.