Abstract: Marx and Engels' thoughts on urban-rural relations are an important part of the Marxist theoretical system. Relevant academic research in China began at the early stage of reform and opening up, and have now gone through three stages:exploration, maturation and the deepening and expansion. Scholars have extensively discussed the background of Marx and Engels' thoughts on urban-rural relations in terms of the background of the times, the origin of ideas and the theoretical background. Studies on the content of Marx and Engels' thoughts on urban-rural relations have mainly been thorough exploration of Marx and Engels' discussions on the evolutionary trends, causes and conditions of urban-rural integration. The scholars have also summarized the theoretical value and practical revelation of Marx and Engels' thoughts on urban-rural relations in their researches. Although the studies have implications for subsequent theoretical research and urban-rural integration practice, the systemic character of the research findings still needs to be constructed, the research perspectives still have space for expansion, and the diversity of research contents needs to be improved. Returning to the original works for deeper theoretical interpretation, innovating the perspectives and for comparative studies, and enhancing theoretical perspectives based on realities are the basic paths to deepen the follow-up studies.

Key words: Marx, Engels, Marxism, changes in urban-rural relations, integrated urban-rural development