A hydropower project has four significant stages: artificialization, mechanization, automation, and digitization. Currently, it is in the intelligent stage and is advancing toward smartization. This study first briefly introduces the development process of intelligent construction and smart operation of the Lancang River Hydropower Project, and comprehensively summarizes the research, development, and practice in intelligent construction of the project and smart operation management of the reservoir dam. Then, the main functions and effects of digital construction of high earth–rock dams and intelligent construction of high roller compacted concrete (RCC) dams were elaborated. Special technologies and module functions such as intelligent diagnosis of dam operation safety, dynamic control of underground engineering, early warning and prevention of slope disasters, and online monitoring of the water environment of deep and large reservoirs were introduced. Finally, the future development trends of smart hydropower were discussed. The research can be used as a reference in the intelligent construction and smart operation of similar projects.