Gentrification in China: A Literature Review, Progress and Future Trend

In 1990s, gentrification was introduced into China, and now it has become a popular word in in the academic world. Using quantitative statistical analysis, this literature review mainly focuses on gentrification theory and application in China, summarizes the development process, characteristics, existing shortcomings as well as future research directions of Chinese gentrification research, putting forward some suggestions on Chinese research, so as to better carry out research in the future. Based on the results, the study of gentrification in China has been transitioning from the introduction of concepts and literature to the present empirical research and theoretical construction. There are clear indications that the trend of gentrification study will turn to the construction of the theoretical system of gentrification with Chinese characteristics, the evaluation of the consequences of gentrification and city policies, the new gentrification, the gentrification driven by cultural consumption, the psychological needs and authenticity protection of historical and cultural heritage affected by gentrification, the application of new technologies in the study of gentrification, and the relationship between the transformation of shantytowns and gentrification in China. In Western countries, gentrification is seen as representing a threat in which older, lower-income men and women of color are replaced by younger, wealthier, better-educated elites. The appeal of gentrification to history involves "the psychological need to relive past successes," which is likely to be a problem for China in the near future.