Abstract: The influence of mindset (including emotion) on transition can be perceived,but it is rarely covered in economic research.This paper first clarifies some factors that appear to be mindsets but are actually institutions,and on this basis,I argue that mindsets are influenced by history,cognition,and individual origin,and are easily reinforced by social identity and peer effects.In the regional development policies of a large country like China,many of the dilemmas of spatial political economy that hinder policy implementation and economic and social transition can be traced back to the mindsets.Mindsets change and constrain transition,so there can be no pre-planned optimal transitional path.The path of transition is evolutionary,and the speed of transition is limited by mindsets and people’s mutual interaction,so promoting transformation by changing mindsets can improve social welfare.