Due to the better flow condition compared with through-the-head filling and emptying system,and the simpler structure and lower construction and maintenance cost compared with other dispersed filling and emptying system,the wall-culvert side-port filling and emptying system is widely used in medium-head large ship locks.In recent years,four huge locks have been designed or constructed on the Xiangjiang river,and it should be studied and verified that whether the above system can satisfy the safety needs of lock and ship under such huge flow energy.Based on Dayuandu 2nd lane lock,the ship berthing condition in lock chamber,the hydrodynamic characteristics and flow conditions in approach channels are all studied by a 1:30 scaled physical model.The results indicate that,all key parameters can satisfy the needs of codes and design under the recommended energy dissipation layout and valve opening patterns.