This paper summarizes the policy evolution of sustainable development of resource-based cities （RBCs） in China over the past 20 years and analyzes the results of promoting sustainable development of RBCs. The main points of this paper are as follows: 1) The evolution path of sustainable development policy of RBCs in China in the past 20 years basically follows the development logic of combining problem orientation and goal orientation，experienced from "administrative intervention", "administrative guidance" to "comprehensive governance" changes。Generally speaking, the policy evolution can be roughly divided into three stages, namely, the stage of resolving difficulties, the stage of comprehensive promotion and the stage of high-quality development. 2) At present, China has formed a "four-in-one" policy framework for sustainable development of RBCs, which includes the transformation of resource-exhausted cities, innovative development of resource-rich cities, transformation and upgrading of independent industrial and mining areas, and comprehensive treatment of coal mining subsidence areas. 3) RBCs make full use of local advantages, and initially form some characteristic transformation development models. 4) In the new era, RBCs are faced with severe challenges such as large carbon emission reduction tasks, weak economic growth, and difficult development in special areas. It is urgent to make all-out efforts to solve key problems and promote sustainable development.