Background The establishment of science & technology demonstration park for soil and water conservation (DPSWC) in China is currently still in the exploratory stage, and has not yet formed perfect planning theory and norms. In order to provide theoretical and practical basis for the planning of DPSWC, the key points and methods that should be noted in the planning of the DPSWC were discussed here.

Methods Combining the planning practice of typical DPSWC in Sichuan province and according to the literature, national laws and regulations, and relevant documents of departments, the ideas and relevant technical points for the planning of the science and technology demonstration park were analyzed.

Results The main content of collecting data, confirming boundary zoning, designing layout, planning investment schedule in DPSWC planning were put forward, and the working requirements of maps drafting and documents outline during the planning were also defined. Based on the above mentioned design ideas, the planning results of basic condition analysis, construction objectives, planning scope and functional zoning, construction content and schedule arrangement for Nanchongyan DPSWC were introduced. The planning achievements fully considered the characteristics of the park and determined the reasonable construction objectives. Meanwhile, the planning results also efficient integrated soil and water conservation with ecological orchards, industrial development and tourism. Furthermore, the planning achievement perfected soil and water conservation measures in Nanchongyan DPSWC and improved the effects of demonstration and science popularization.

Conclusions Overall, the construction planning is an important basis for the pre-construction work of the DPSWC. The planning compilation should meet the basic requirements during the feasibility study stage at the pre-construction work of soil and water conservation project. It should be followed the steps of selecting site, collecting data, determining target, confirming boundary zoning, designing content layout, planning investment schedule, proposing safeguard measures and so on.