DFID (UK) and IDRC (Canada) were considering support for a program of applied research on climate adaptation in Asia. In preparation for that program, they had commissioned a study of climate change adaptation research knowledge and capacity gaps in Asia. Our task in this study was to identify adaptation research issues that were likely to affect large numbers of vulnerable people, and addressed substantial gaps in knowledge or were under-represented in other research efforts. This document summarizes the conclusions of the study team in China. The study focuses on adaptation issues among the most vulnerable groups in regions likely to face the greatest stress from climate change. The conceptual framework acknowledges the high uncertainties around climate change impact prediction, and the difficulty of assessing important but indirect effects of climate change on the livelihoods and living conditions of vulnerable social groups. Keywords: Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation; Social Vulnerability