Using data from a national representative survey, China Family Panel Studies, we assess the impact of regional economic performance on intergenerational geographical distance in China, which is one of the largest developing economies and which has experienced a drastic economic and social transition. Employing an ordered probit model, we find that the economic performance of the region where the parents live is negatively associated with the geographical distance between parents and their adult children. This negative association is mainly driven by individuals from rural areas. This association is stronger for adult children who are younger, better educated, male, and without siblings. Further analysis shows that longer intergenerational geographical distances are negatively related to the instrumental support that is received by older parents. The findings have critical implications for social and health policies in a country that has the largest elderly population and is one of the most rapidly ageing societies in the world.