Sociological Studies is a leading academic journal for sociological research in China. It ranks first among the disciplinary rankings of four journal evaluation institutions: the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Nanjing University, Peking University, and Wuhan University (The CASS Institute of Sociology 2016). Since its inception in 1986, the changes in the themes of the papers published in Sociological Studies have not only reflected the changes and development of Chinese sociological circles but have also reflected the overall changes in Chinese society. Some research subjects had been popular, but with the development of the times and the shift of paradigm within the discipline, they have gradually been marginalized. Other subjects are consistent and run through the development of Chinese sociology. There are also some unnoticed subjects that have become the hotspots and mainstream topics of the current sociological circles. An accurate record of past hot subjects helps us understand the exploration journey of sociologists and witness the development of Chinese society. Here, by analyzing the papers published in Sociological Studies, we will show the development of sociology in the context of drastic changes in Chinese society.