Abstract: To develop a localized theory for constructing rural life circles in China, this study combines literature review with field investigation and comparative analysis. The historical evolution of rural production and everyday practices shows that the family constitutes the fundamental logic of China's rural life circles and gives them distinctive local characteristics. Once the family is treated as a core analytical unit, the conventional “behavior–space-time–optimization” framework requires adaptation in three respects: an intergenerational perspective on family behavior, an integrated urban–rural definition of space and time, and coordinated urban–rural public services. A localized theory should therefore extend the analysis from individual villagers to the family as a whole, construct a spatial model specific to rural China, and configure service elements accordingly. The paper proposes a “family behavior–spatial pattern” framework as the theoretical basis for rural life-circle construction. It comprises three methodological components: identifying space-time paths of social proximity, establishing a proximity-based rural life-circle system, and transforming intra-village mutual assistance into urban–rural mutual-aid networks.