[Objective] To study oversea utilization of urban rainwater resources with low impact development (LID), such as in United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Australia, in order to provide support for the development of management and technology on the construction of sponge city in China.[Methods] According to the literature review, this paper firstly analyzed the oversea experiences on LID in terms of government policies and regulations, application technologies, management system and public awareness. Then, suggestions for promoting the construction and development of sponge city in China were proposed based on the practical domestic situation.[Results] To solve the problems of urban waterlogging, water shortage and poor ecological environment during the construction of sponge city in China, we proposed a series of solutions, including making and improving relevant policies and regulations, strengthening the research development and application of advanced technologies, creating new financing resources, optimizing the management system and improving public awareness.[Conclusion] The results indicate that successful cases and experiences from oversea can greatly promote the construction process of sponge city in China.