This article presents a detailed review and analysis of the discussions around the new market mechanism (NMM) and explores its potential in China. It contributes to the current discussion of the NMM in three aspects. First, this article attempts to streamline ideas about the NMM. The term NMM is considered to be an umbrella concept for emission trading systems which all Parties can engage in on a voluntary basis in the implementation of their intended nationally determined contributions, and which need to satisfy three criteria: (i) having a large scale scope; (ii) aiming to facilitate a net emission reduction; (iii) allowing flexibility for the host country. We also present a framework to clarify the NMM. Based on this framework, major options with a high implementation potential are identified. Second, we argue that the national-level operational framework determines the chance of successful implementation of the NMM. We identify different options based on a literature survey and evaluate them with respect to effectiveness and efficiency. Third, we choose China, a highly influential country regarding climate change polices, as a case to analyze the potential contributions and challenges of the NMM and its implementation at different stages of national development. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.