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This study focuses on the Dual River Leaders System, which can improve the water environment and combat the increasing basin pollution in China. It was born in the reform of the government's internal administrative system, and developed during the process of seeking cooperation between government and non-government. In particular, this study investigates the Dual River Leaders System in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, where it was implemented in 2010, ahead of the rest of the country. We examined the changes over time through participatory survey methods and participation in practice as an environmental volunteer. This study discusses not only the improvement of water pollution but also the watershed governance of multi-subjects from the perspective of the local community. Moreover, we present new insights that challenge the inherent structure of China's environmental governance. We found that the Governmental River Leader System and the Non-Governmental River Leader System play important roles and have a complementary relationship. In addition, the Non-governmental River eader System centers on the Civilian River Leaders who composed of intellectuals. In the process of continuous exploration, selecting suitable individuals from local village residents to serve as Civilian Environmental Supervisors has not only helped resolve regional confl icts but has also increased the environmental awareness of local residents. Thus gradually established a Watershed Governance Mode. The Non-Governmental River Leader System considers the relationship between nature and human beings and creates interactions between individuals that change the environmental consciousness and behavioral habits of local residents, while also fundamentally improving pollution. Furthermore, it tries to protect the environment of the local river basin by promoting cooperation among nongovernmental entities. Therefore, the Dual River Leaders System is not imitated Japan, Europe, and the United States, as a means of civilian participation, but it can empower local residents to participate in Watershed Governance, and create a new kind of "Chinese-style civilian participation." In addition, the Dual River Leaders System has played a critical role in civic behavior. The fi ndings of this study suggest that its implementation in Guiyang City is favorable for the development of Dual River Leaders Systems throughout China.