China’s major cities are sinking rapidly due to subsidence, which poses a significant threat to infrastructure and populations. In the next 100 years, a quarter of China’s coastal urban lands could be below sea level. Factors contributing to subsidence include the weight of buildings, groundwater extraction, and human activities such as oil drilling and coal mining. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate adaptation strategies and resiliency plans to combat climate change and sea-level rise. Limiting groundwater extraction and implementing measures to stabilize subsidence are crucial in minimizing damage.