This study, based on the theory of participatory governance, takes public hearings on water pricing in Chengdu as the research case. Through qualitative field research, I present the problems centred on urban water provision and some limitations of public participation in the hearings. The study reveals that the local government is stepping back into the management of urban water provision for its own benefit, and the water companies are taking a dominant position due to slack regulation and their monopolistic nature, so the public is at a disadvantage owing to the lack of empowerment,...