Abstract: Characteristics of the eco-environment,extension scale and sustainable models of converting cropland to forest in Dabieshan District of Anhui were analyzed.The Dabieshan District is a main ecological area with the function of soil and water conservation,in which 7 large reservoirs and irrigation system of Pishihang are distributed.Therefore,the extension scale of converting cropland to forest could be enlarged properly in the reservoir area,while it should be limited in the non-reservoir area for the higher population density and food safety.Great attention should be paid to the model selection and results during converting cropland to forest.Some suitable models and effective approaches were put forward for the sustainable development in Dabieshan District,Anhui.