Abstract: The participatory irrigation management (PIM) is relatively popularized in the irrigation management in the world. The experiences learned have showed that the PIM is an effective irrigation management mode, when the effective institutional arrangements and sound operational mechanism are established in the defined irrigation area. The PIM is mainly introduced from the implementation of relevant projects loaned by the World Bank in China, such as the action areas of Self-Financing Irrigation and Drainage District (SIDD) in Hubei and Hunan provinces. The SIDD is considered as one of the basic structures for implementing the PIM. The SIDD establishment and its implementation were also introduced by the World Bank project named China-Tarim Basin Project II in Xinjiang. Moreover some experiences have also been gained from its pilot actions in five prefectures of southern Xinjiang. The paper firstly focuses on the research on the concepts and contents of PIM. In addition the SIDD are analyzed in terms of its structure, mechanism and the allocation of power and function for Water Supply Company (WSC) and Water User's Association (WUA). The paper then stresses on the research on present issues in irrigation management in Xinjiang. The internal and external conditions are further analyzed to explicate the national policy and local capacity for implementing the PIM. At last some suggestions and countermeasures are proposed for effectively implementing the PIM in Xinjiang.

Key words: Xinjiang, participatory irrigation management, countermeasures and suggestions