To understand the current crisis, one must first recognize the paradigm that has dominated Chinese water management for the past half-century. The primary vulnerability in China’s flood management lies in the unintended ecological consequences of its historical reliance on hard infrastructure. Beyond the physical and environmental challenges, flood management in China also exposes deep-seated governance dilemmas and socio-economic disparities. In recent years, there has been a subtle but significant shift in the official rhetoric and policy approach regarding flood management. The future of China's flood management will depend on a synthesis of its undeniable logistical strengths and a renewed respect for ecological boundaries.