China is currently facing what I expect to be its most significant challenge to date - a crisis in the care of its rapidly ageing population. The causes of this crisis are complex and multi-faceted and its implications far-reaching from the social, economic and political perspectives. This thesis examines the causes and consequences of the impending aged care crisis in China, with a particular focus on the urban elderly. In addition to extensive interviews with government officials, a sample of 2,000 retires and their children were surveyed in Shanghai as part of my research. My findings from the Research Survey and Questionnaire, together with my observations from site visits to numerous aged care crisis and the associated problems. Of primary concern is the fact that the Chinese government does not have in place an appropriate aged care structure nor a strategy to implement systems to cope with the impending crisis. I conclude that it is imperative the Chinese government recognises both the immediacy and scale of the crisis and acts accordingly. Failure to do so may result in both significant social unrest and severe economic consequences. Recommendations are offered for consideration by the Chinese government in an effort to manage the impending aged care crisis in China. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)