A scientific expedition on the Dongting Lake area in the middle Yangtze reaches was carried out shortly after heavy flooding of the Yangtze River in 1998.Based on the investigations and long-term studies concerning Dongting Lake, the authors point out that the interrelation between Dongting Lake and the Yangtze River is becoming more worsened during the past decades, resulting more frequent heavy flooding in the area.Furthermore, solutions to flood control and post-flood reconstruction for the flood-stricken areas are put forward, i.e., (1) techniques for the restoration of the reclaimed land in lakeside areas of Dongting Lake;(2) realignment of agricultural modes in the areas of the low-lying paddy fields which should be restored to the former state and reconstructed villages for cultivation purposes;(3) management as to make the most of the built water conservancy works;and (4) establishment of harmonious relationship between the lake and the river, etc.