Abstract: The background characteristics of a plain river network city were analyzed and defined as "two-high, one-middle and one-low". In view of the old and new urban pilot areas for sponge city, the existing typical problems were discussed from the perspectives of water security, water environment, water ecology and water resources. The key factors, main principles and the recommended scheme of sponge city facilities selection were put forward, and two typical projects were selected to study the construction scheme. The research showed that the sponge city construction in the old urban area should be fully combined with urban renewal, emphasize integration and cohesion, while that in the new urban area should have a higher starting point and standard, and emphasize the demonstration and leading functions.