The Daluze and Ningjinpo Lakes, once the most well-known largest lakes in the plain in the southern part of the Haihe River valley, underwent dramatic evolution from vastness in the 15th century to dry-up in about ihe middle of 20th century. As for why these two lakes dry up, however, there has been no focused analysis or study so far; this is the first endeavor on this topic. Based on rich historical information and archives originated from the Ming and Qing dynasties, this article gives an in-depth analysis to the key natural and human factors that affect the evolvement of lakes. Findings are: rapid changes in throughflows of inpouring rivers, caused by variations in water system distribution, are the most direct and prominent driver of the evolution of these lakes, resulting in significant expansions and shrinkages and, ultimately, dry-up. Besides, factors such as variations in rainfall, sediment carried by inputting rivers, dikes, and reclamation of wetland alongside lakeshore also contribute to the evolution and dry-up of the lakes.