[Objective] The aim of this study is to explore the design method of rainwater utilization in districts, in order to provide the theoretical references for rainwater utilization design in residential areas.[Methods] Taking F-3 Garden of Binhu Holiday Community in Hefei City, Anhui Province as the case, according to the design concept, the utilization intensity of rainwater for residential areas was calculated. With the consideration of actual conditions, the utilization intensity, scale, the costs and benefits of different rainwater utilization facilities, the composition of rainwater utilization facilities was determined.[Results] The method for rainwater utilization in residential areas was proposed, which resolved two key problems including scale and composition in rainwater utilization design. The rainwater utilization of Binhu Holiday F-3 Garden included water landscape(1742.1 m³), reservoir(1 500 m³), concave greenbelt(12 200.5 m²) and permeable pavement(10 672 m²), which met the requirements of a 85% runoff controlling and a return period of 2 a.[Conclusion] The discharge runoff coefficient should be the major target for the design of rainwater utilization residential areas. Taking the specific condition of each district, the economic, environmental and social benefits, and related regulations into consideration, the scale and composition should be determined rationally.