Research progress and prospects on rural hollowing in China

Abstract

Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization and non-agricultural transition of the population in China, rural hollowing has emerged as a multifaceted issue characterized by intertwined spatial, social, economic, and cultural dimensions, requiring in-depth analysis from an interdisciplinary perspective. This study systematically reviews the development trajectory of rural hollowing research in China during the period 1999-2024. Bibliometric analysis reveals a shift from single-perspective studies in the early stage to multidisciplinary integration. Research themes have expanded from phenomenon identification to mechanism analysis and systemic governance, gradually forming a pattern of coordinated development among theory, technology, and practice. Building on this, the review focuses on four core themes: basic concepts and measurement methodologies; development characteristics, causes, and effects; context-specific remediation pathways and practical strategies; and performance evaluation and feedback mechanisms. The study indicates that, driven by policies such as the Rural Revitalization Strategy and Territorial Spatial Planning, relevant studies have demonstrated trends of interdisciplinary integration, macro- and micro-level synergy, and methodological innovation, providing theoretical support and practical pathways for rural governance in the new era. This study further refines the understanding of rural hollowing by establishing a complete chain from theoretical exploration to practical optimization and emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and policy adaptation. Six future research directions are proposed: dynamic construction and regional adaptation of theoretical frameworks; precise identification of farmers’needs and responsive mechanisms; systemic integration and ecological coordination of holistic remediation; scenario-based empowerment and intelligent decision-making through digital technologies; regional experiments and collaborative governance through institutional innovation; and closed-loop optimization and iterative governance of performance evaluation. These directions aim to provide systematic and precise solutions for promoting high-quality rural development in China.