<p>In recent years, virtual reality has experienced rapid development, establishing itself as a significant research area within computer science and engineering. This evolution underscores the importance of conducting a macro-level systematic analysis to compare the status, hotspots, and trends of VR research both in China and globally. Such an analysis addresses a crucial gap in the literature concerning reviews of virtual reality visualization and fosters the high-quality progression of China’s VR sector. To achieve a comprehensive overview, we employed CiteSpace software for scientometric analysis and knowledge mapping visualization. This process involved examining 4673 academic journal papers from the CNKI database and 36,450 papers from the Web of Science core collection, covering the period from 2000 to 2024. Results: Our methodological approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of the VR field, mapping out the landscape of disciplinary focus, collaborative networks at national and regional levels, key authors, leading research institutions, and emergent research themes.Our findings reveal a detailed picture of the VR research ecosystem. Internationally, the field has coalesced into a robust interdisciplinary cluster with a primary focus on computer science and electronic engineering. Conversely, within China, as reflected in the CNKI literature, the emphasis is more pronounced in computer science, education, and journalism and media studies. The analysis also highlights a well-established pattern of transnational academic collaboration, particularly involving the UK, the USA, and China, indicating the formation of a global VR research community. Moreover, we identified the expansion of VR applications into various domains, illustrating its vast developmental potential. Conclusion: Despite this growth, the VR field faces numerous challenges, including technical limitations and the need for further interdisciplinary integration.</p>