Abstract: The smart city is not only a crucial means of promoting sustainable development, but also a strategic approach to advancing scientific urban development and governance on a global scale. Based on a textual co-occurrence analysis of policy documents, this study examines the components, development pathways, and models of smart cities in China. It identifies three distinct phases in the development process: the information project-driven phase, the holistic development phase, and the collaborative development phase. Overall, the development of smart cities in China—characterized by a strong focus on information technology projects—was primarily initiated by both central and local governments. Reflecting on the informatization process and the trajectory of smart city development in China since the mid-1990s, this paper argues that smart city initiatives must evolve beyond a purely technology-driven framework toward a more human-centered approach. Against the backdrop of ongoing urbanization and urban transformation in China, this study proposes future development strategies that integrate top-down government planning with bottom-up public engagement. It advocates for a comprehensive framework that integrates technology, human needs, and spatial planning, emphasizing the spatiotemporal coordination between technological implementation and stakeholder demands. This research offers valuable insights and strategic guidance for the future development of smart cities worldwide.