Based on CiteSpace software, 765 core literatures on the topic of resource-based city transformation were visually analyzed. The results show that the transformation research of domestic resource-based cities has experienced three stages: less attention, rapid development and stable development, and more attention has been paid to the study of countermeasures and effect evaluation of resource-based cities. The scientific research cooperation in this field is weak, and the core authors and core institutions have not been formed. The research mainly focuses on three aspects: economic transformation and industrial structure, sustainable development and environmental protection, technological innovation and cultural industry. In the future, it is suggested to deepen the exploration of transformation paths, strengthen interdisciplinary research, and empower the transformation of resource-based cities with innovation.