Based on data from 108 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2021, this study empirically examines the impact of the digital economy on urban economic resilience and its underlying mechanisms. The results show: First, the digital economy has a significant positive effect on urban economic resilience. Second, innovation vitality and entrepreneurial vitality partially mediate the relationship between the digital economy and urban economic resilience. Third, the positive impact of the digital economy on economic resilience is more pronounced in cities designated as “Broadband China” pilot cities, as well as in cities with superior legal environments and market conditions. Therefore, to advance high-quality economic development, it is essential to continuously refine top-level design and optimize the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem to enhance urban economic resilience.