[Aim] In order to minimise the unwanted ecological effects of the Three Gorges Reservoir, we studied the species composition and distribution characteristics of exotic plants in the areas of the reservoir that is periodically inundated by the fluctuating water level.[Method] Through field surveys of exotic plants in the fluctuating water zone, supplemented by literature data, the species composition, origin, introduction method, life form, and distribution status of exotic plants were studied.[Result] In total, 66 species of exotic plants belonging to 22 families and 50 genera were recorded. Among them, Compositae, Leguminosae, Solanaceae, and Amaranthaceae were the dominant families, with a total of 40 species that accounted for approximately 60.6% of all the species identified. Species beloniging to the Compositae family had the largest number, with 21 species. Non-native the species from America were the most abundant, comprising 66.7% of all detected species. Annual herbs were the most common life form, and the flowering and fruiting periods were mainly from May to October. The most widely distributed species were Bidens frondosa L., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., Bidens pilosa L., Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G. L. Nesom, Erigeron canadensis L., and Dysphania ambrosioides (Linnaeus) Mosyakin & Clemants. Overall, many exotic plants were distributed throughout the water-level fluctuating zone at the head and the middle of the Three Gorges Reservoir.[Conclusion] There were numerous species of exotic plants widely distributed throughout the water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir. The invasion of exotic plants was severe, especially in the perennial backwater area, and the prevention and control of invasive plants was not effective. It is suggested that prevention and control mechanisms for exotic plants be combined with the management methods of the fluctuation zone. Moreover, these mechanisms should be created with the characteristics of the plant community in mind.