In order to solve the problem of large air leakage under condition of gob-side entry retaining with Y-type ventilation condition, combined with the retaining design, the law of air leakage in goaf was analyzed. There are occurred wind blast area, wind stable area and the speed zone area in sequence behind retaining roadway working face. On this basis, the ventilation system of 1916 working face was designed. By way of hanging curtain, spraying paste arterials and strengthen management, the air leakage quantity was about 6.2m³/min per 100 m and the wind leakage rate was only 2.5%, which provided a guarantee for the safe mining of the working face.