In this study, we tracked the dynamic changes of higher submerged macrophytes(HSM)in Dianchi Lake over the last 50 years. This study not only evaluates the aquatic status and its changing tendency more objectively and comprehensively, but also provides a scientific basis for the ecological restoration of HSM. The results show that there were in total 22 species of HSM in Dianchi Lake during the period from 1957 to 2010, of which 19 species appeared during the period from 1957 to 1963, 11 species appeared during the period from 1975 to 1977, 13 species appeared during the period from 1981 to 1983, ten species appeared during the period from 1995 to 1997, 10 species appeared in 2001, eight species appeared in 2008, and seven species appeared in 2010. Overall, the number of HSM species showed an obvious downtrend. According to the occurrence frequency of species in field investigation, it is suggested that three species of HSM, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton malaianus, and Potamogeton pectinatus, should be used as the pioneer species for ecological restoration of Dianchi Lake. Four species, Hydrilla verticillata, Potamogeton crispus, Vanllisneria natans, and Ceratophyllum demersum could be cultivated at the early stage of restoration. Another three species, Potamogeton maackianus, Potamogeton perfoliatus, and Najas marina, could be used in the middle stage of ecological restoration of HSM.