Abstract: More geotechnical centrifuge laboratories have been set up year by year in China with the development of modeling technology. However, some laboratories are found very inconvenient for model tests and operation due to the unexperienced planning and design prior to their construction. This paper presents the design principles and detailed considerations on the arrangement of facilities and rooms for easy centrifuge modelling tests are put forward based on the experience of development and operation of the geotechnical centrifuge laboratory in China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research.