Abstract Nickel is playing a pivotal role in development of modern infrastructure and technology with major applications such as stainless steel, alloy, rechargeable batteries and electroplating. Rapid industrial development and economic growth of China has accelerated the depletion of natural resource pools since recent three decades. Therefore, this study was performed to examine the evolution of substance flow of nickel. Main findings include the following: 1) China is being confronted the increasing risk of uncontrolled importation; 2) The consumption amount has been constantly extended up to 1010 Gg in 2015, however the obsolescence amount is almost remained at an unchanged range of 45–50 Gg; 3) If more nickel has been stocked in the consumption stage and landfill plants, only 30% is recycled. The obtained results implied that China should not only find more sources of imported minerals, but also there should be an enhancement of the urban mining for nickel resources in the circular economy field.