In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by globalization, such as development imbalances, regional poverty, and ecological degradation, the field of development geography faces critical adjustments in its research priorities and methodologies. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, launched in 2016, outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed at addressing these global issues across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. This agenda builds upon previous frameworks such as the Millennium Development Goals, highlighting the urgent need to enhance human livelihood sustainability amidst environmental fragility and resource constraints. Despite global efforts, disparities in Millennium Development Goal implementation persist. Moreover, the theory of attachment underscores the evolving dynamics between developed and developing nations in a globalized context, influencing efforts toward a more equitable international order. As research in development geography intensifies globally, China’s contributions are significant but reveal a notable disparity compared to international standards. Thus, strengthening research efforts within China is crucial not only for advancing geographical sciences but also for enhancing its global academic influence. The objectives of this chapter are as follows: 1. To understand the current classification of geography; master the concepts of physical, human, economic, and political geography; and understand the developmental stages of these disciplines. 2. To understand the development stages of geography. 3. To understand professional geography terms. 4. To learn to use geographic information systems, remote sensing technology, mathematical modeling, and other geographic tools to discover and analyze certain geographic phenomena.