Abstract: On the basis of the definition and essential characteristics of ecotourism and the conception of nature reserves and significance of their establishment,procedures for developing and contents of planning for ecotourism in nature reserves were explored.The author holds that ecological security is the main principle of ecotourism development in nature reserves,that evaluation of tourism impact on ecological security is the important link,and that involvement of local communities,supervision of responsible departments and guidance of experts concerned are the prerequisites of successful ecotourism development.It is thought that the key points of planning for ecotourism in nature reserves consist of functional zonation,ecotourism capacity definition,ecotourism items,explanation and education system,ecological tourism facilities and local involvement.