Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered form of instruction which focuses on students’ investigation, participation, collaboration and solving problems in real world practices. It has been identified to be a multitude of strategies critical for success in the 21st century. This paper examines the evolution of PBL research in and outside mainland China by using visualization analysis with CiteSpace. First, we retrieve 2624 English language articles from Web of Science (WoS), and 521 Chinese language articles from CNKI respectively during the period from 2000 to 2021. By analyzing publication trends, core countries/regions, core institutions, core journals, this paper identifies the development trajectories and topical trends of PBL research in mainland Chinese and international journals. Second, according to the timeline of visualization of the major clusters in international journals, as well as time zone view of keywords and citation with strongest bursts in mainland Chinese journals, this paper expounds upon the intellectual base and evolution process of each stage in each field. The researchers focus on different research issues with different perspectives in and outside mainland China, while few cross-border research collaborations are observed among them. Finally, this paper puts forward some suggestions for researchers and educators, including in-depth study of PBL hot topics, introduction of international projects, encouragement of academic exchanges, etc., in order to better establish international contacts, create opportunities for cross-border cooperation and promote the development of PBL. # 2023 TEMPUS Publications.
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