"Abstract: In 2008 Hanfeng Lake was created in Kai County, Chongqing, by the filling of the reservoir associated with the Three Gorges Dam. The lake is partially separated from the Pengxi River by a water-level regulatory dam, and is surrounded by urban development. The drawdown zone of Hanfeng Lake requires special attention because of its urban location and the status of the lake as a nature reserve. Here we discuss some of the management issues for the drawdown zone, with special consideration to eco-design principles and engineered wetlands. Given the unique nature of the lake, we argue that manage-ment of the drawdown zone requires an approach that is experimental and therefore adaptive. Given that the nature reserve objectives include a focus on bird abundance and diversity, we argue that the management approach must be ecosystem-based. Given the urban location, we argue that community-based processes must be used for the management approach to be socially acceptable. We consider that the effective ecosystem is the watershed of the lake and that both large-scale and local zoning are necessary management tools. Within the drawdown zone itself, we consider that eco-design principles can be ap-plied to achieve the provision of valuable ecosystem services including: bank stabilization, improved water quality, wetland productivity and biodiversity, natural science education, food production, and agricultural education. By taking these community-based and ecosystem-based approaches to raising awareness about the values provided by wetlands, natural ecosystem services will be delivered and these will promote the sustainable economic and social development of Kai County."