After the discussion on the development of the river basins in western China was reviewed, it was emphasized that the aesthetics function of the rivers should be given more attention. The conditions of scenic rivers protection in the United States were studied. It was supposed that some measures, including the public participating in the scenic rivers protection, the building of the scenic rivers protection systems with Chinese characteristics through the overall planning and the forming of  uniform management systems of national park, should be taken to promote the sustainable development in western China.