Abstract: In view of the ambiguity of historical map information, the Spatial Interpretation of Historical Maps is applied for historical maps related to the Guihu water system. The evolution process of Guihu water system is thus clearly demonstrated through the interpretation of the drawings, and the evolution characteristics of Guihu water system is summarized in an objective way. In the three perspectives of urban water system and garden water source, the construction of surrounding water system, and the division of water space form, the evolution process of Guihu water system is sorted out in accordance with Sui and Tang Dynasties, Song Dynasty, Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, modern times and contemporary era. The characteristics of river evolution are summed up in three aspects: the relationship between Xindu urban water system and Guihu garden water system, changes of building functions and the subsidiary space property around the water system and the artistic division of water form: 1) The Xindu urban water system and the Guihu garden water system have four stages of integrity, perfection, destruction and reconstruction in the form and structure of the water system. They constitute the changes of four stages: integration, maintenance, evacuation and integration. 2) The building function around river system after germination, public memorial, memorial enhancement, strengthen the variability of refining, and the building space layout by the scenic space staggered distribution, public space arrangement, along the coast of the memorial space center, memorial space through the core of the four stages make Guihu Garden into a memorial theme for public gardens. 3) Morphological structure division of river system of the Guihu Garden is characterized by the rough division of a pool with three islands, the general division of five islands and two dykes , the crowded division of five islands and two dykes and the bright and spacious division of five islands and two dykes.