Understanding residents’ satisfaction and perceptions in urban renewal: a systematic review of subjective evaluation research in China

Urban renewal is a key strategy for enhancing the quality and equity of urban development in China. This study systematically reviewed 1351 Chinese and English publications (2002–2025) to examine the evolution, application, and methods of resident-centered subjective evaluations. Bibliometric and visualization analyses identified four main themes: resident satisfaction and well-being, social equity and participation, community cohesion and sense of place, and cultural identity and heritage preservation, reflecting a shift from material to socio-psychological concerns. Research has expanded beyond older and historic neighborhoods to public spaces, green landscapes, and pedestrian environments, increasingly considering diverse groups such as the elderly, children, and migrant workers. Methodologically, the field has progressed from traditional surveys and interviews to hybrid and digital approaches, including street view analysis, online review mining, virtual reality, and AI-driven sentiment analysis. These methods integrate subjective and objective data, supporting inclusive, people-centered, and data-informed urban renewal. The review highlights the need for cross-regional comparisons, AI-assisted hybrid assessment frameworks, and combined subjective-objective analyses to advance equitable and sustainable urban transformation.