Abstract: The development of resource-based city always strongly depends on its abundant natural resources and resource industries. Series problems occurred along with the resource industries development, such as high resource consumption, severe pollution, weak developing momentum and competitiveness. Thus the green transformation has become the key path to achieve high-quality development for resource-based cities. This paper selects Shaanxi Province as a typical example for the study of green transformation and development in resource-based cities. Based on panel data of resource-based cities in Shaanxi Province from 2012 to 2021, a super efficiency SBM model containing unexpected variables is used to measure the GDE （green development efficiency） of resource-based cities in Shaanxi Province. The Tobit model is selected to analyze the influences on GDE from economic development efficiency, industrial structure, foreign direct investment, industrial solid waste utilization level, import and export trade level, and urbanization level. Based on the analysis, the research results can be concluded as follows: the overall GDE in resource-based cities has been significantly improved, while the efficiency in Shanbei Region is more significant. The economic development level and urbanization level positively affect GDE in resource-based cities, while factors such as industrial structure, foreign direct investment, industrial solid waste utilization level, and import and export trade can have positive or negative impacts. The industrial solid waste utilization level only has a positive impact on GDE in mature type and Shanbei Region resource-based cities. According to the research conclusion, the GDE in resource-based cities can be promoted through industrial transition and upgrading, improving external green cooperation and urbanization levels, and strengthening public service construction.