Abstract In view of the difficulties in promoting intelligent management in the field of engineering construction, based on the concept of intelligent enterprise and the actual situation of hydropower project-construction management, this paper puts forward the basic concept, main features and general idea of intelligent engineering. Based on a review of the exploration, pilot construction and comprehensive practice of intelligent engineering in the hydropower construction of Dadu River, the practical results of the intelligent engineering of Dagangshan, Houziyan, Shaping-II and Shuangjiangkou hydropower stations are summarized. The technical system and management model of engineering an early-warning decision centre, intelligent dam project, intelligent underground project, intelligent electromechanical project, intelligent security control, intelligent service guarantee, intelligent environmental and water protection, and intelligent resource control in Shuangjiangkou hydropower station are introduced. It is proposed that intelligent engineering is a high integration of information technology, industrial technology and management technology. And it is pointed out that intelligent engineering will lead in the new development of water conservancy and the hydropower industry, and even the engineering-construction field, throughout the world.