The systematic study of rural life space should consider not only the rural areas themselves but also the broader influences at play. Given that both internal and external factors shape the rural territorial system, a comprehensive literature review of rural life space studies is necessary. This literature review will allow for a thorough examination of both the macro context and the micro components of rural life space, facilitating the construction of a more robust research framework. In this chapter, we review studies on rural life space from three aspects: rural restructuring and transformation, urban and rural life space, and research methodologies used to study life space. The logical structure underpinning these aspects is as follows: rural restructuring and transformation provide the practical context and developmental foundation; urban and rural life space research offers theoretical insights; and research methodologies serve as essential tools for investigating life space.