Li Cheng has achieved basic research and engineering technology breakthroughs on the application of large-scale pumping stations in cross-basin water transfer projects for more than 20 years, forming a series of core technical achievements that have been applied in projects such as the South to North Water Transfer and the Yangtze River Diversion Project, achieving huge social and economic benefits. The corresponding achievements have been incorporated into water conservancy industry standards, including the "Guidelines for Energy Conservation of Pumping Stations" and the "Technical Management Regulations for Pumping Stations". He has successively presided over four National Natural Science Foundation projects, over 20 provincial- and ministerial-level projects, and nearly 100 national major engineering preliminary research projects. Two appraisal results have been obtained, both at advanced international and domestic levels. In addition, 19 invention patents and 25 utility model patents have been authorized. He has published 97 SCI/EI-indexed papers and two monographs and has contributed to the compilation of one standard.