Abstract: The core idea of compact city is: mixed land use, high density development and public traffic. The compact city can prevent the uncontrolled spread of the city and slow down the energy consumption and the impact of climate change. This study gives a review of the evolution of modern urban planning ideas from nineteenth century to twentieth century. The research introduces the concept of compact city in western countries from four aspects of sustainability, urban transportation, urban density and quality of life. And makes a commentary on the cases of compact cities in Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. At last, threw out a suggestion that Chinese cities should promote urban planning and construction in a more sophisticated way, launch effective public transport policy and carry out the planning of the neighborhood and the community.