Taking the ship lock of the Panghai junction in Guizhou province as an example,this paper uses the gray system theory to verify the filling and emptying system selection and layout based on the comprehensive analysis of the built ship locks in China. The physical model test conducts an experimental study on the hydraulic characteristics of the ship lock and the valve operating conditions. The berthing conditions and valve opening methods in the lock room were tested and determined,and the lock structure and filling and emptying system layout were determined and optimized. Combining ship lock filling and emptying system design and engineering practical experience and results of recent years,we provide a reference for the design and application of the second type of decentralized filling and emptying system and flat valve in the middle and high head ship lock project.