Docking optimization is an important means to improve the operation efficiency of ship lift. Aiming at the operation characteristics of upstream docking mechanism of Jinghong hydro-floating ship lift，we ascertain the control line of upstream docking process through theoretical calculation，propose the optimization scheme，investigate the safety of the upstream docking optimization scheme，demonstrate the effect in the prototype monitoring，and propose the optimization method of upstream docking efficiency of Jinghong ship lift. The results show that under existing conditions，the optimization of upstream docking process for Jinghong ship lift can save about 25% of upstream docking time and 20% of docking-releasing time，and improve overall running efficiency of ship lift.