China's “zero-waste city” (ZWC) pilot program, initiated in 2018, has driven innovative practices in industrial solid waste (ISW) management across diverse urban contexts. This study categorizes cities into resource-output, manufacturing-oriented, and comprehensive types to propose tailored strategies that address unique industrial challenges while promoting sustainability. Resource-output cities prioritize ecological restoration through the transformation of abandoned mining sites, repurposing waste materials to restore degraded environments and support local economic development. Manufacturing-oriented cities focus on green industrial upgrades and circular economy models to enhance the comprehensive utilization of waste, reduce generation intensity, and foster market competitiveness for recycled products. Comprehensive cities, often large urban centers, have embraced digital technologies to optimize the precision management of ISW, thereby enhancing regulatory efficiency and resource utilization. These targeted approaches implemented thus far have let to measurable reductions in ISW generation, improved resource recovery, and notable economic co-benefits. The insights drawn from China's evolving ZWC framework not only contribute to a more sustainable and efficient waste management system domestically but also provide a valuable reference for international regions seeking to integrate industrial development with environmental protection.