With the development of computers, the visualization analysis can be conducted by the virtual reality technology of hydropower project engineering data set that has spatiotemporal characteristics. To apply this technology to the hydropower station teaching, a virtual simulation of power station in river channel can be established. Through the virtual simulation of hydropower engineering and equipment such as the hydro-junction, power plant and axial flow turbine, and the virtual simulation of the installation and maintenance of hydraulic turbine, the water resources and hydropower engineering simulation experiment was realized. In the teaching mode of open experiment, students were the main body and they were required to independently compose, design, finish and verify the virtual model. The teaching effect was remarkable and the new concept of engineering education can be implemented. The guidance of theory combined with the virtual simulation improved students' understanding and enhanced their practical ability, which realized the goal of CDIO engineering education mode.