Shaping the Sustainable City Schema: Study of Media Presentation in Guangzhou, China, Based on Schema Theory and LDA Topic Modeling

Public perception and understanding of a city are gradually constructed over time. According to schema theory, this process occurs through the development of specific cognitive schemas, with media serving as a central mechanism of influence. This study investigates the formation of various city schemas—particularly the sustainable schema—through the lens of news media. Using Guangzhou, China, as a case study, the research analyzed 6,812 news articles covering the 2021 Autumn Canton Fair. Applying latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling, the analysis identified eight topics grouped into three overarching themes: economic, administrative, and culture and education. The findings indicate that Guangzhou’s city schema is characterized by diversification, reflecting the city’s alignment with the sustainable development trajectory of future urban environments. To more effectively convey Guangzhou’s evolving schema, media coverage should emphasize elements such as new energy, big data, and intelligent technologies; spotlight youth-centered events and activities; and foreground environmental protection. Such efforts will contribute to the construction of a comprehensive and attractive sense of place that highlights Guangzhou’s dynamic transformation and its commitment to sustainability.