Abstract: As an interdisciplinary field, hydro-rock mechanics provides critical theoretical and technical support for the design, construction, and safe operation of water conservancy and hydropower projects.This paper systematically reviewed the research advances over the latest 40 years in eight core areas of hydro-rock mechanics, including mechanical properties and stability of rock masses in high dam foundations, deformation and stability control of high-steep slopes, stability analysis and disaster prevention of surrounding rock in large underground cavern groups, deformation control of high earth-rockfill dams, seepage analysis and control in reservoir dam systems, controlled blasting excavation of engineering rock masses, risk analysis and management of dam systems, and key technologies for water diversion projects.Additionally, we explored the new challenges faced by hydro-rock mechanics in understanding the mechanical behavior and stability control of rock masses under extremely complex geological conditions.It is pointed out that future research should focus on multi-field and multi-scale coupling theory, advanced equipment and detection technologies, digital twin and intelligent decision-making platforms, as well as green, low-carbon, and resilient safety engineering technologies to drive the transformation of hydro-rock mechanics toward "digital intelligence, green and low-carbon, resilience and safety, and high-quality and high-efficiency".