Abstract:The urban form of Shanghai neighbourhood was examined as it evolved from 1984 to 2015 in the context of urban renewal. The urban form was evaluated comprehensively based on space syntax as well. The effect of urban renewal on urban spatial was revealed. It implies that the urban form affected by urban renewal, which is dominated by commercialization, is characterized as grain urban pattern, lax street network, high intensity development and neighbourhood isolation. The urban form of different blocks is related with various degree of renewal process. Finally, it is found that the construction of spatial diversity and the conservation of traditional urban culture and business should be paid more attention in the process of urban renewal in downtown area.