Water is the most active controlling factor in the ecological environment. Water ecosystem is an important carrier and material basis for the survival and development of the mankind. Water ecological civilization is an important component and core element of ecological civilization. The paper analyzes the existing problems in the construction of ecological civilization in Jiangsu province and summarizes the international advanced experience of adaptive management. Under the guidance of ecological idea of “the new harmony between human and nature”, it puts forward the strategic thinking and the adaptive construction of ecological civilization. Based on the natural endowments and humanities of Jiangsu province, it proposes the specific strategic paths: planning the overall layout of water ecological civilization construction with “Water Chain” plan, carrying out the water sensitive urban construction and the red line control in Jiangsu province.