The northwestern region of China confronts with the shortage of water resources.To achieve a sustainable development of the region's economy and society,there is a need to develop a new water resource management system.In this paper,we discuss the concept and characteristics of watersaving society,systematically summarize the practical experiences of developing water-saving society in Zhangye city,Gansu Province,northwest China.Based on evaluation for the present situations of water resource and its utilization in northwest China,the importance of establishing a water-saving society for the sustainable utilization of water resources is highlighted in this region.Furthermore,the strategies of promoting the establishment of water-saving society are suggested.These included that:(1) to develop and perfect an integrated water management system within the whole river;(2) to develop a market-oriented watersaving society operating mechanism;(3) to improve the efficiency of water utilization by gradually reducing the proportion of industries with high water consumption;(4) to adjust the region's agricultural structures by developing a watersaving agricultural production system;(5) to adjust the region's industrial structures by establishing a water-saving and antipollution industry system.