Abstract: To study the experience of the ancients in the utilization of water resources and flood control accumulated in the long process of adaption to and transformation of nature, we cited Jinan as an example, collected local chronicles and city maps of different dynasties and made field investigations, to explore the origin and pattern evolution of the city under the influence of water environment, and the spatial pattern characteristics of water adaptability in urban and rural areas in a macro scale. This is done on the basis of different requirements from the three aspects of regional water network constraints, flood control demands and water utilization demands, at the regional and city scales and the level of city and water interaction. Then we sum up the ecological wisdom of the ancients in the construction of the spatial pattern of water adaptability, which were conforming to nature and utilizing nature, stacked and coordinated operation of the water conservancy facilities, internal and external connection of the natural—artificial water system network, and constructing unique living space by the water. They may provide some references for the protection of the water environment and hydraulic facilities, the urban water environment planning in the ancient city of Jinan