Abstract：Three small-scale 2D physical model experiments were conducted on a model table with the goals of investigating the potential deformation features and failure mechanics of a landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir under conditions of reservoir impounding，water level fluctuation，building load on the surface of slope and potential seismicity，and evaluating its whole stabilities in the future. Dial gauges，gridding lines and digital camera were used to monitor quantitatively and write down qualitatively the deformations and displacements of the models. High/low unit weight model materials were used to simulate self-weight of sliding mass above groundwater level and sliding mass below groundwater level respectively. According to seepage force theory and similarity laws，the resultant hydrodynamic force was obtained by concentrated loading. The loading owing to the buildings was simulated by some Barite-gypsum blocks placed on the surface of the model. The seismic loading was simulated by raising the inclined plane on which the landslide model was placed. The research results show the slope on which a seven-floor building locates was stable when the water level is 145 m or 175 m，or under a rapid drawdown condition from 175 m to 145 m. While the intensity of earthquake is greater than a certain value，it must be of instability；and its stability must be the worst when the water level in the reservoir drawdown rapidly from 175 m to 145 m；and its stability must be better under condition of the water level 175 m than that of the water level 145 m. If the landslide would happen，the failure mechanism must be pull-type.
