Abstract:Accelerating the development and utilization of urban underground space holds significant strategic value. It can effectively alleviate land resource constraints, enhance national defense and urban resilience, support urban renewal, and drive economic growth. Nevertheless, challenges remain in China’s current approach to underground space development, including delayed planning, insufficient geological surveys, lack of regulatory frameworks, and fragmented industry management. During the transition from the 14th to the 15th Five-Year Plan, there is an urgent need to establish six integrated systems to ensure the scientific and efficient use of underground space: strategic planning, geological surveying, legal and regulatory standards, investment support, scientific management, and disaster prevention and mitigation.