China’s urbanisation drive has been unprecedented in scale. It has also produced some paradoxical outcomes and led to multiple interconnections between the rural and the urban spheres. These interconnections are the central focus of this special issue. Thus, preference is given to the term “rural–urban transformation” instead of simply “urbanisation.” The main argument advanced here is that we always need to consider the rural aspects and repercussions alongside the urban side of this dual process. This is exemplified in five separate studies looking at hukou policies in Guangzhou, urban planning in Beijing, urbanization in Chongqing’s hinterland, individualization of „landless peasants“ and urban village redevelopment in Yinchuan. These case-studies shed light on the various ways in which mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion play out in China’s rural—urban transformation.