Liaoyuan city is a good example in its economic transformation in northeast China. This paper analyzes the transformation process of resources-based cities from path dependence and path creation, presents path and process for resources-based cities in path creation. Liaoyuan's path creation is initiated after northeast China revitalization planning was presented. Liaoyuan was determined as the first economic transformation trials in 2005, its policy-oriented path creation has been developed in order. Reform of state-owned enterprises had been fully completed, forming two leading industries in manufacturing and agricultural products processing, and three preponderant industries in fine alumina processing, textile socks industry and pharmaceutical industry. The preponderant industries converted from mining and primary manufacturing to intermediates manufacturing and deep processing manufacturing.  Liaoyuan's coal resource is depleting gradually, out sourcing of coal shall be used to develop multiple operations until the coal industrial ends in a gentle way.