Based on the vacuum tank experiments，the cavitation characteristics of the filling and emptying valve of the water-saving ship lock with a water head of 60 m-class were studied. Through model tests，the cavitation source was ascertained，and the cavitation number under each opening degree was calculated. The cavitation range，cavitation form，and cavitation strength were also obtained.The defense measures for reducing cavitation erosion by aeration were put forward，and the reasonable aeration amount was recommended. The test results showed that automatic natural aeration at top-sealing sill of valve could suppress cavitation of itself and valve lip effectively，and forced aeration at drop-sill could reduce the cavitation occurred on drop-sill and upward slope of enlargement culvert. The combination of the two aeration measures could effectively solve the cavitation problem in the filling and emptying valve section of 60 m-class water-saving ship lock.