September-November 2025
Editorial »
China’s water challenges: present and future–special issue honouring academician Liu Changming
Asit K. Biswas, Qiuhong Tang & Cecilia Tortajada
Research Articles
Balancing people and nature’s needs in a changing climate Yellow River Basin: challenges and opportunities
Fangbing Xua, Yangbo Sunb, Xiaohui Jianga, Nuo Chenc and Lin Zhanga
aShaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China; bOffice of International Cooperation and Technology, Yellow River Conservancy Commission, Zhengzhou, China; cGraduate Program in Global Studies, Graduate School of Global Studies, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
Contact: Xiaohui Jiang | Email: xhjiang@nwu.edu.cn
Abstract
The Yellow River Basin in China faces severe water scarcity, ecological fragility and complex governance challenges. Frequent flow interruptions in the 1980s and 1990s pushed the river to the brink of collapse. Since the Yellow River Conservancy Commission implemented unified water management in 1999, uninterrupted flow has been maintained for 25 years, setting a global model. This paper summarizes the Commission’s achievements in water allocation, soil conservation, water quality control and ecological restoration, providing insights for countries dealing with similar water challenges.
Pages: 863–883
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2549096
Bridging through the storm: legal frameworks for managing urban flash floods in China
Heping Danga and Raymond Yu Wangb
aSchool of Humanities and Social Science, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, P.R. China; bCenter for Social Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
Contact: Raymond Yu Wang | Email: wangy63@sustech.edu.cn
Abstract
This paper explores urban flood risk management in China through a legal lens. It conducts a comparative analysis of two extreme flash floods in Zhengzhou and Shenzhen to examine characteristics and performances of their legal frameworks. Our analysis underpins three main arguments: 1) Disparities in lower-tier legislation con-tributed to the differing outcomes in the two cases. 2) Laws of varying types and levels of authority should be integrated into a comprehensive legal framework that promotes cross-sectoral collaboration and adaptation. 3) The legal framework must be integrated into the everyday practices, habits and paradigms of society to achieve real efficacy.
Pages: 884–901
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2469548
China’s water security under a changing environment
Yuanyuan Li, Ying Tian, Yue Zhang, Zhongnan Zhao, Mingyan Tian and Qingyang Luo
Ministry of Water Resources, General Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Planning and Design, Beijing, P. R. China
Contact: Yuanyuan Li | Email: yuanyuanli.giwp@qq.com
Abstract
China’s water security faces unprecedented challenges, examined through the variation in socio-economic development, water resource availability, water-related disasters and aquatic ecosystems to develop a water security philosophy under a changing environment. Guided by the human-water harmony notion, water security needs to balance the human need and natural need, load pressure and carrying capacity, and risk aggregation and mitigation. We propose an integrated water security framework of adaptive socio-economic development patterns, resilient water infrastructure systems and rigorous water governance mechanisms, which manages both human activities and water infrastructure, including natural assets and built projects. Policy recommendations are further proposed for future water security.
Pages: 902–927
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2546005 (Open Access)
China’s eight water risks
Olli Varis and Dandan Zhao
Water and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
Contact: Olli Varis | Email: olli.varis@aalto.fi
Abstract
China, as a large and geographically heterogeneous country, is subject to a high diversity and blend of water-related stressors, hazards, and societal conditions. We analysed the exposure and vulnerability of the population of continental China to eight major water stresses (variability, overuse, groundwater problems, floods, droughts, organic pollution, salinity, eutrophication). This gridded high-resolution geospatial analysis employs the multiplicative risk scheme of the Sendai Framework and IPCC (risk = stress × exposure × vulnerability) together with multivariate statistical analysis. The results unveiled five distinct zones in continental China, each with a characteristic risk profile.
Pages: 928–949
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2448720
Decoding China’s water rights revolution in the new century: transitioning from a centralized to a hybrid system
Yahua Wanga,b, Han Lyua and Mengdi Caoa
aSchool of Public Policy & Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; bChina Institute for Rural Studies, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
Contact: Mengdi Cao | Email: caomd21@mails.tsinghua.edu.cn
Abstract
China has adopted water rights reforms to optimize water allocation amidst rapid industrialization. This review outlines this evolution through three phases: exploration, policy maturation and market innovation. The market is challenged by small size, inefficient allocation, an incomplete institutional-conceptual framework and system conflicts, resulting from high reform costs and limited market benefits in the transitioning period. Comparisons with the US, Australia and Chile underscore China’s unique hybrid system of administrative dominance with market support. The study concludes that the market will remain auxiliary to administrative allocation in the foreseeable future, recommending legal clarity, targeted incentives and flexible trading models for sustainable development.
Pages: 950–973
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2487663 (Open Access)
Digital twin technology and its application in water governance: China’s practices and achievements
Jing Peng
China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
Contact: Jing Peng | Email: pengthanks@163.com
Abstract
Due to its complex water conditions, China faces a severe challenge of water security. In recent years, the Chinese government has vigorously boosted water governance through six pathways, one of which being the development of digital twins in the water sector, and has made remarkable progress to guarantee its water security and reach the water-related goals of the 2030 UN SDG Agenda. This article introduces the basic concepts, development pathways, and main content for the development of digital twins of water. It also presents the specific practices of China in different scenarios to empower its modern water governance and management with digital technologies.
Pages: 974–989
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2544810
Effect of terrestrial water storage deficit on economic growth for China
Yijia Rena,b, Qiuhong Tanga,b, Siao Sunc and Paul P.J. Gaffneya
aKey Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; bUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; cKey Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Contact: Qiuhong Tang | Email: tangqh@igsnrr.ac.cn
Abstract
Terrestrial water storage (TWS) deficits are projected to increase in many regions under climate change, potentially leading to an increase in future droughts and threatening socioeconomic development. However, quantifying the macroeconomic impacts of TWS deficits remains a challenge. This study identifies water deficit and surplus conditions over China using TWS anomaly (TWSA) and precipitation observations, and assesses their macroeconomic effects in conjunction with city-level economic growth data. The results show that economic growth rates are non-linearly affected by both monthly TWSA and precipitation deviations, with negative shocks (water deficits) causing a sharp reduction in growth.
Pages: 990–1000
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2537402
Viewpoint
Hydrologic nonlinear system approach and its support for water disaster prevention in China
Jun Xiaa, Yuntao Zhub,c and Ying Xueb,c
aState Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering & Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; bKey Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; cCollege of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Contact: Yuntao Zhu | Email: zhuyt.20b@igsnrr.ac.cn
Abstract
Hydrological science, combined with a systems‐based approach, is essential for shaping policies and management strategies that reduce disaster risk. Addressing nonlinearity in hydrological forecasting is particularly important for supporting effective decision-making in basin-scale flood control. Using China as a case study, this paper reviews the country’s disaster-risk-reduction policies and management strategies, with an emphasis on how hydrological nonlinearity impacts forecasting. Amid evolving environmental challenges, basin-scale simulators – such as the Yangtze River Simulator – have been developed to integrate multiple hydrological processes and enhance flood-forecast accuracy. These advances reflect China’s growing commitment to interdisciplinary, integrated‐systems research in its current era of development.
Pages: 1001–1010
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2543534
Research Articles
Integrating water resources, water environment and water ecology in China: demands, challenges and recommendations
Dajun Shen and Fei Fan
School of Ecology and Environment, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
Contact: Dajun Shen | Email: dajunshen@ruc.edu.cn
Abstract
China has developed a strategy which integrates water resources, water environment and water ecology (IWREE) to address its evolving water challenges. However, there remains a significant gap in research and understanding of this innovative approach. This study assesses the need for the IWREE strategy in China, taking into account the historical evolution of water issues, human demands on water and changing management paradigms. It also examines the challenges associated with implementing this strategy, including legal frameworks, institutional structures and management instruments. The paper concludes with policy recommendations, emphasizing the development of governance mechanisms as well as administrative, economic and legislative measures to enhance IWREE implementation.
Pages: 1011–1026
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2499804
Public perceptions of water scarcity in China: insights from an online survey of 3262 responses
Hui Liua,b, Siao Suna,b, Chuanglin Fanga,b, Qiuhong Tangb,c and Ting Mab,d
aKey Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; bCollege of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; cKey Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; dState Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Contact: Siao Sun | Email: suns@igsnrr.ac.cn
Abstract
Freshwater is increasingly abstracted beyond sustainable levels in many watersheds worldwide. Is the public aware of this water scarcity challenge? This study investigated public perceptions of water scarcity and how individual characteristics influence these perceptions using an ordinal logistic regression model. Based on 3262 online survey responses, we found that participants tend to underestimate water scarcity, contrasting the fact that over half of the cities in China face water scarcity. High-income tap water users are more likely to underestimate water scarcity than low-income non-tap water users. Understanding these perceptions is critical for promoting water-saving practices and developing effective mitigation strategies.
Pages: 1027–1044
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2486848
Water security in the Qinling Mountains: current status, climate and human influences, and adaptive strategies
Xiaofei Lia,b,c,d, Peiyue Lia,b,c and Jifa Liud
aSchool of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an, China; bKey Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an, China; cKey Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an, China; dSchool of Marxism, Chang’an University, Middle Section, Xi’an, China
Contact: Peiyue Li | Emails: lipy2@163.com; peiyueli@chd.edu.cn
Abstract
This study comprehensively examines the integrated impacts of climate change and human activities on regional water security in and around the Qinling Mountains, China. Key findings highlight pronounced disparities in water resource availability and quality between the northern Guanzhong Basin and the southern Hanjiang River Basin, exacerbated by rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns and intensified human interventions. An integrated strategic framework to ensure sustainable water resource management and risk mitigation was proposed, which offers a structured approach to enhancing ecological resilience and preserving essential water resources, while reconciling ecological preservation with socioeconomic development in climate sensitive mountain regions.
Pages: 1045–1074
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2478387
Through the water glass darkly: global cities as problematic exemplars in the sustainability discourse
Kris Hartley
School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
Contact: Kris Hartley | Email: kris.hartley@asu.edu
Abstract
Urban water management practices are standardized through narratives informed primarily by the experiences of global cities. While these cities have resources and influence, their persistent economic and environmental challenges point to epistemic faults in technocratic policymaking. Therefore, it is prudent to critically evaluate global cities as sustainability exemplars. This article discusses problematic power dynamics in the global standardization of water practices and technologies, and applies a critical-theoretical perspective to the techno-optimism defining the sustainability discourse. The practical analysis outlines implications for urban water managers balancing contradictory political mandates, and considers scenarios in the relationship between global cities and resource hinterlands.
Pages: 1075–1091
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2025.2549447 (Open Access)