Management problems existing in “four water-based principles” in water resources protection and utilization in China are systematically identified. The innovative management “5+1” pattern of “four water-based principles” in water resources protection and utilization is proposed, which includes five core systems comprised of accurate and strict control indicators, authoritative and unified monitoring system, clear and strong administration system, scientific and standardized institutional system, collaborative and efficient operating mechanism, and one platform, i.e. smart water management and control platform of “four water-based principles” in water resources protection and utilization. Future development trends of management of “four water-based principles” in water resources protection and utilization are pointed out, which include coordinating the existing water management system and achieving upgrades, activating the trading market for “four water-based principles” by combining water quantity and water rights, establishing a normalized execution standard system for “four water-based principles”, and carrying out specific institutional design for “four water-based principles” in water resources protection and utilization based on micro decision-making behaviors. Keywords: water resources protection and utilization; “four water-based principles”; management pattern