[Objective] The relation between watershed type and soil erosion in hinterland was explored of Three Gorges Reservoir area to provide some bases for ecological security and flood control in this area.[Methods] Based on geographic information system(GIS) and remote sensing(RS), watersheds at five counties were taken as the research area to analysis the types of watersheds, characteristics of water system and synthesized soil erosion index. After that, the relation between watershed type and soil erosion was explored.[Results] Three types of watersheds were recognized in the research area according to the indices of altitude, soil types and the present applied management.(1) The first type was the one consisted of those catchments outside the first watersheds with dams constructed, mainly located in limestone region with altitude from 800 to 1200 m and slope gradient from 15°to 35°.(2) The second one was composed of the catchments within the first watershed that mainly located in the area with 300~800 m elevation, 15°~35°slope gradient of shale, mudstone soil.(3) The third one was consisted of the catchments outside the first watershed without dams, covered the most intense band of 800~1200 m elevation, 15°~35°slope section of shale, mudstone area.[Conclusion] The soil erosion synthesized index of catchments outside the first watershed with dams showed a downward trend. The soil erosion synthesized index of catchments within the first watershed in the study area gradually increased, hence, these catchments need to be pay close attention to control soil erosion. The catchments outside the first watershed without dams are the key area of soil erosion control because of serious soil erosion.