<p>The low-carbon city pilot policies constitute a pivotal initiative in realizing the objectives of "carbon peak" and "carbon neutrality." This study utilizes panel data spanning 260 cities in China from 2001 to 2019 to investigate the influence of low-carbon city pilot policies on carbon emission reduction by using the difference-in-difference method and the dynamic spatial Durbin model. Our findings yield the following insights: (1) In the short term, the implementation of the low-carbon city pilot policies results in a promotion of urban CO₂ emissions, exerting an initial inhibitory effect on the attainment of carbon emission reduction targets. In the long term, the low-carbon city pilot policies exhibit a robust capacity to significantly curtail urban CO₂ emissions, thereby advancing the realization of carbon emission reduction objectives. (2) Low-carbon city pilot policies can effectively contribute to carbon emission reduction by fostering green technology innovation. (3) Evident heterogeneity exists in the impact of different waves of low-carbon city pilot policies on carbon emission reduction, and a significant dynamic effect is observed in the carbon emission reduction among cities during each period. The research presented in this paper furnishes empirical validation for the advancement of policy planning aimed at nationwide low-carbon city development. This study not only enhances the empirical analysis of carbon emissions statistics but also offers crucial empirical backing for consolidating early successes in low-carbon city construction, broadening future development horizons, and delving deeper into the pathway for advancing the "dual carbon" goal with distinct Chinese characteristics.</p>