On the basis of the four-level waterway construction project of Lancang River and the regulation plan for Hekuan-rapids，this study illustrates the rapids and hydrological characteristics and the historical regulation situation. Due to insufficient waterway length and depth in the rivers，as well as high flow rates，huge gradients，and bad flow patterns in the rapids section，ships cannot go up by themselves. Hence，this paper researches the navigation-obstructing characteristics of rapids from the aspects such as the flow rate，gradient，and rapids-passing hydraulic indexes and combines rock cleaning and damning for a wider water-crossing section and a higher sectional water level. In this way，the flow rate and gradient are reduced，and the above-mentioned problems can be solved. It is concluded that we can adopt the measure of “dredging up and uplifting down” to solve the problem of insufficient waterway length and depth in the rivers and difficulty in ships going up by themselves. The research result provides a reference for similar rapids regulation.