This study draws on academic background and origins to examine research trends in the urban modernization of treaty ports over the past century.It reveals that research on treaty ports in China has undergone two significant waves of interest since its emergence in the first half of the 20th century.Internationally,this research has been shaped by theories such as the'impact-response model',the'China-centered approach',and the'Beyond Shanghai'paradigm.The research has also evolved from historical compilation to systematic study,from focusing on urban phenomena to exploring internal mechanisms,and from historical research to incorporating multiple perspectives.