This study focused on the comprehensive management of typical rain-fed rivers in southwest China, considering the Zhelou River in Ceheng County, southwest Guizhou Province, as an example. The banks of the Zhelou River are currently experiencing significant erosion, leading to severe damage to the water environment. During the rainy season, crops on both sides of the river are inundated, and nearby structures are at risk of being washed away by the river's flow, which poses safety risks to local residents. In response to these challenges, several measures have been implemented. These measures include river dredging, construction of new gabion retaining walls, and Reno pad slope protection, as well as the establishment of ecological wetlands and hydrophilic platforms in specific river sections. The objective of this comprehensive plan is to align the river embankments with the flood control requirements, while simultaneously enhancing the water environment and providing a natural water landscape for the recreation of nearby residents.