Policies to Promote the Transformation of a Resource-based City: Case Study of Datong, China

This chapter explores the transformation of Datong, China—a city once heavily dependent on coal—into a more sustainable and diversified urban economy. It details how Datong has shifted from a centrally planned, resource-extractive model to one focused on environmental restoration, renewable energy, and green industry development. The chapter highlights significant progress in improving air quality, expanding urban green spaces, and reorienting the city’s economic structure to reduce its reliance on coal. These changes have been driven by strong political will, adaptive governance, and strategic policymaking that align with broader national goals for sustainable development. While challenges remain, Datong’s experience offers valuable insights into how cities with mono-industrial legacies can reinvent themselves in response to ecological, economic, and social pressures. The Datong case provides a practical and scalable example for other resource-based cities seeking to navigate the complex transition towards sustainability and urban resilience in the face of global environmental change.