Abstract: China is the country that has built the largest number of dams in the world, with more than 23000 large dams of over 15 m that accounts for 40.6% of the global total. Against the backdrop of international disapproval of water dams, clarification of why China needs such a huge number of dams matters most. This study reviews the historical development of dam construction, clarifies the reasons for this huge-scale construction in China through examining its national conditions, and looks into the future of Chinese dams. The results show that China owning the largest number of dams is a natural outcome of its population, natural geography, climate, water situation, and other national conditions, and also for the purpose of meeting the major national needs－flood control, disaster reduction, agricultural irrigation, urban water supply, hydropower generation and so on. Water dams have enormous social, economic, and ecological benefits. To satisfy the future needs of the national strategy, the existing number of dams in China is not excessive, but deficient. China needs to further build and improve its dam system from a national strategic prospective of ecological civilization construction and high-quality development. The results cast light on scientific, reasonable, and fair understanding and evaluation of water dams.

Key words: dams, globally the largest, development history, comprehensive utilization of water resources, cause analysis