 Urban development in arid regions affects the water cycle, with significant changes observed in the Shoryong River basin using isotope methods. The study found that urbanization accelerated the rainfall runoff process and shortened the mean residence time of river water in the middle reaches. Additionally, the construction of metropolitan landscape dams led to increased evaporative losses and strengthened the hydraulic connection between groundwater and river water around the city, resulting in progressive enrichment of isotopes from upstream to downstream. These findings have important implications for local water resource management and urban planning, providing insights into the hydrologic dynamics of urban areas. This article was authored by Arlie, Arlie, Arlie, and others.