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This paper advances the concept of niche shielding in sustainability transitions studies by refining it as a dynamic process that evolves through niche-regime interactions. It contributes to the existing literature by contesting niche shielding dynamics from two aspects: (i) how niches shield against selection pressure from multiple dimensions of the socio-technical system (science and technology, industry, market, policy, culture); and (ii) how niche shielding unfolds across multiple scales (provincial, national and global). The empirical analysis focuses on wind power development in two Chinese provinces, Inner Mongolia and Jiangsu, which serve as contrasting cases with divergent niche shielding dynamics, as well as on a national scale. The findings highlight the importance of a pluralistic and spatially sensitive understanding of niche shielding dynamics. These insights shed light on when and how to phase out …