China's urban development has entered an important stage of stock optimization, making urban renewal a new driver and focal point of growth. After decades of rapid growth, do we truly understand the civilizational mission carried by urban renewal? As cities upgrade from physical spaces to carriers of diverse civilizations and shift from economic engines to arenas for a better life, are our planning and governance systems ready for this paradigm shift? Centering on new issues, characteristics, and ideas, this editorial department has invited multiple experts to contribute to this academic forum under the theme of “Innovative Practices and Critical Breakthroughs in Urban Renewal” to reflect on potential path dependencies and logical dilemmas.