Using the GIS and DEM techniques, a distributed hydrological model based on a runoff generation theory(the Grid-Holtan model)was developed. For each computational cell, the infiltration-excess runoff was calculated with the Holtan infiltration method, and the overland flow and river flow routing were simulated with the one-dimensional diffusion wave model. The Grid-Holtan model, Shanbei model, and Xinanjiang model were applied to the Kongjiapo Catchment of the Qinhe Basin, in China. The results show that the Grid-Holtan model and Shanbei model perform better in flood simulation than the Xinanjiang model, while the flood peak simulation accuracy of the Grid-Holtan model is higher.