This report scopes out knowledge gaps and unmet needs relating to climate change adaptation in China and proposes ways to address them. It reviews existing climate change assessments and provides case studies of two ecological zones particularly vulnerable to climate change: the Ningxia Hui autonomous region in northwestern China and Guizhou province in the southwest. The goal is to identify ways to strengthen the links between scientific and technical knowledge and action on climate change adaptation. The study focuses on the impacts of climate change on agriculture and rural development, the two sectors thought to be most vulnerable in China. Knowledge gaps are found at different levels. Although research has been conducted on the impacts of climate change, the findings have tended to be used for academic discussion, rather than supporting adaptation actions. Currently, there is no decision/policy system to convey research information and new knowledge in support of policymaking.