Abstract: The Chenghai Lake Basin is located in the dry-hot valley area of the Jinsha River. Natural vegetation is scarce and the ecological environment is fragile. It is difficult to carry out vegetation restoration. In order to improve the forest coverage, biodiversity and landscape diversity level in the dry-hot valley area of the Chenghai Lake Basin, on the basis of comprehensive investigation, this paper analyzed the natural environment characteristics of the region, and systematically discussed the selection of plant species from the perspectives of constructing shelter forest, special-purpose forest, timber forest, firewood forest and economic forest. Finally, the main points of vegetation restoration and plant species selection in the dry-hot valley region were summarized, so as to provide reference for ecological restoration research and practice in the dry-hot valley area of the Jinsha River.