Abstract: The existing design codes of hydraulic steel gates in China and America are compared systematically in this paper. The content of Design code of steel gates for water resources and hydropower projects in China corresponds to that of hydraulic steel structures in America, while the commentary of this Chinese code corresponds to the Design code of spillway tainter gates and vertical lift gates in America. Our results show that between the Chinese and American codes, great differences exist in several aspects: design methods, calculation methods, design loads, layout of girders, design of skin plate, flow induced vibration, and choice of hoist. The American code is characterized by overall consideration, strong operability, and orientation to details; while the Chinese code by greater attention to design principles, more flexibility in application, and methods suitable for different project sites. Relative to the latter, the former is more advanced and scientific in design methods, calculation methods, corrosion control and ice control and more detailed in design loads, prevention of flow induced vibration, deflection of girders, and choice of hoist. However, both are similar in layout of girders and design of skin plate and generally lag behind the current achievements of research. Thus we suggest revising and updating the Chinese design code of hydraulic steel gates by absorbing the existing research achievements and the strong points of the American code. This is necessary and important and would provide a basis of internationalization in engineering designs for China's water conservancy and hydropower projects.