Abstract: The relationship between the Jingjiang River and the Dongting Lake involves complex water-sediment exchange. Changes in water-sediment conditions have significant impacts on fluvial processes, flood safety, and water resources utilization in the middle Changjiang River. Since the operation of the Three Gorges Project, the water-sediment conditions have changed greatly, and the relationship between the Jingjiang River and Dongting Lake has been adjusted. This paper reviews the research progress on the following points: a) the water-sediment exchange relationship, b) the erosion and silting evolution of the Jingjiang River, especially the river diversion gates, c) the erosion and silting evolution at the three distributary flood channels and the Dongting Lake, and d) the water level changes at Chenglingji. The study concludes that the diversion flow of the three diversion outlets of Jingjiang River has slightly reduced, and the amount of sediment diversion has greatly reduced. The Ouchi River has seen sharp adjustment, resulting in deteriorated inflow conditions to Dongting Lake. Dongting Lake has experienced a change from siltation to micro-scouring, leading to a drop in lake area's water level. Additionally, the Chenglingji-Hankou reach has been scoured, resulting in water level drawdown at Chenglingji. However, deficiencies still exist in the research of driving mechanism, and disputes remain over the changes in Jingjiang flood levels and the future evolution trend of Dongting Lake. Quantitative analysis and systematic and complete analysis are in lack. Issues that need to be addressed in future research are also proposed.

Key words: relation between Changjiang River and Dongting Lake, three outlets of Jingjiang River, diversion of flow and sediment, erosion evolution, water level at Chenglingji, Three Gorges Project