This study explores the transformative nature of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in the smart city development process in China by using qualitative analysis of the opinions of the people working in related industries. Using an exploratory research design, the study encompassed a semi-structured interview with the professional opinion of seven respondents, comprising contractors, building architects, and quality control managers, who worked on smart city projects. The study investigates the practical applications and the strategic implementation of IoT in urban environments by conducting qualitative interviews with professionals in the industry, such as contractors, architects, and quality control managers. The results show that IoT plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of workflow, controlling resources, and the rule-based governance based on data. Nonetheless, issues such as infrastructure integration, financial limitations, and data protection remain threats to optimal deployment. Comparing the findings of the study with the existing literature helps in the identification of similarities and discrepancies in existing literature, which provides a deeper context of the current need for practice as well as for the future.