Two relocation strategies: Preserving erstwhile neighbourhood relationships in Shenzhen

Relocation, both within China and other countries, typically results in a decline in neighbourhood relationships, especially for people who do not move willingly. For migrants, preserving neighbourhood relationships is particularly important as they often rely on these connections as their fitting-in strategy within cities. However, little empirical research has unravelled how migrants navigate relocation under massive urban redevelopment contexts and preserve pre-existing neighbourhood relationships. This paper examines to what extent and in what ways relocation willingness influences pre-existing neighbourhood relationships by applying multiple mediation effect models to a questionnaire survey dataset collected in 2022–2023. The results reveal that migrants who are more willing to relocate tend to stay in touch with former neighbours post-relocation. Additionally, relocation strategies (i.e., moving with former neighbours and short-distance moving) are important pathways through which relocation willingness can have positive effects on preserving pre-existing neighbourhood relationships. Interview data further indicates that employing relocation strategies not only aids in preserving pre-existing neighbourhood relationships but also in establishing new ones in destination neighbourhoods. The results suggest that extended eviction notice periods and phased redevelopment approaches could provide migrants with the opportunity to implement relocation strategies mitigating adverse impacts of relocation and better adapt to new neighbourhoods. • Neighbourhood relationships (NRs) are valued by Chinese migrants experiencing relocation. • Moving with former neighbours and over a short distance are important strategies to preserve erstwhile NRs. • Willingness to relocate helps migrants implement these two relocation strategies. • Extended eviction notice periods and phased approaches help implement the strategies.