拆迁 (chāi qiān) literally combines 拆 (chāi), meaning 'to demolish' or 'to dismantle', and 迁 (qiān), meaning 'to relocate' or 'to move'. Together, it refers to the official process of demolishing existing buildings—typically old residential or commercial structures—and relocating the residents or businesses affected. This term is most commonly used in urban development contexts, especially when local governments carry out infrastructure projects, city renewal, or real estate redevelopment.

The word carries strong sociopolitical and economic connotations in modern China. It often appears in news reports, legal documents, and public notices, and may evoke discussions about compensation, housing rights, and social equity. While technically neutral, 拆迁 frequently implies top-down planning and can involve complex negotiations between authorities, developers, and residents.