Abstract: Cities are the major places where the rule of law is generated and，therefore，to sum up how the rule of law develops in cities is essential in exploring the road of the rule of law with Chinese characteristics. In the“cellular”model of relationship between the central and local governments，the initiative of local authorities is the core driver for the development of rule of law in cities. In the process，when there is no law，“experimental”work was carried out in all places，and when there is no specific law to go by， “adapted” measures are taken in local areas. Influenced by institutional factors（official document system and governance through mass movements），interest factors（local interest and the interest of local officials），and social factors（urban movement and social capital），the rule of law in cities diversify from place to place.

Key words: rule of law in China, rule of law in cities, local governments, social capital