Abstract: The Xiluodu hydropower station is the world’s top three to date, with its overall scale and technical difficulty ranking high globally among the large hydropower projects. In its construction, a great many technical problems have been solved and a wealth of management innovation accomplished. Using the case study method, this paper describes systematically a batch of innovation achievements in the dam construction, such as intelligent construction technology of 300m-class super-high arch dams, temperature control and crack prevention technology for mass concrete and lining concrete, and construction technology of high-velocity-flow spillway tunnels with large flood discharge and giant underground powerhouses. We also examine the fruits achieved via the concept of green hydropower construction, implementation of environmental planning and design, and innovation in construction technologies. We suggest and discuss a number of new concepts and methods–a concept of standardized, orderly, coordinated and healthy construction management for large hydropower projects; a project management system comprising six goals and nine supporting factors; an innovative management mode of industry-university-research-application collaboration; a method to optimize engineering planning, design and construction; a one-step finishing method based on dynamic analysis of complex rock mass engineering. These achievements ensure safe, high quality and efficient on-schedule construction of this hydropower station and its stable operation, generating tremendous social and economic benefits and

Key words: arge hydropower project, intelligent construction, temperature control and crack prevention, low heat cement, green hydropower, construction and management innovation