To clarify the properties of N and P losses in Taihu lake region, the effects of sowing method (PR, plant in rows; BS, broadcast sowing) and rainfall intensity (SI, 30 mm/h; MI, 60 mm/h; LI, 90 mm/h) on N and P losses from wheat field were investigated by field simulation trial. The results showed that "initial runoff time" was negatively correlated with rainfall intensity while runoff coefficient positively correlated with rainfall intensity (P<0.01). N and P loss concentrations peaked at the initial stage and decreased over time following a logarithmic-function relationship. The loss rates of N and P showed a trend of "rising and then falling" with runoff time, and were greatest during middle to late period. The peak concentrations and rates of N and P losses increased with rainfall intensity except for N loss rate was the highest under MI in PR trials. Affected by runoff coefficient and nutrient loss rate, N and P loss amounts were significantly increased with rainfall intensity except for N loss was the highest under MI in PR treatments. NO^-_x-N (40%-62%) and particulate phosphorus (50%-71%) were the main forms of N and P losses respectively. Also, the runoff coefficient and nutrient loss rate were higher in PR treatment than those in BS treatment under the same rainfall intensity. The results suggest that rainfall-driven N and P losses have typical phase characteristics. N and P concentrations peak during the initial runoff period, while N and P loss rates are the highest during the middle-late phase. The runoff from wheat field with PR mode is more likely to be affected by rainfall intensity.