Abstract: To systematically clarify the research trajectory and development directions of high-standard farmland construction, this paper constructs a progressive analytical framework of “connotation deconstruction–theoretical evolution–practical pathways–effectiveness evaluation”. Based on this framework, we conduct a systematic review of relevant studies by applying the literature review method, theoretical analysis, the inductive–deductive approach, and systems reasoning, with the aim of organizing existing research in a stepwise and logically connected manner. The review results show that: (1) the understanding of the connotation has expanded from a single engineering dimension to a four-dimensional framework of “resources–engineering–technology–institutions”. This expansion indicates that the concept is no longer interpreted only through the lens of engineering construction, but is increasingly recognized as a comprehensive construct that simultaneously involves resource foundations, engineering measures, technical support, and institutional arrangements. Accordingly, the connotation of high-standard farmland construction is understood in a more integrated and multi-dimensional way, rather than being confined to a single project-oriented or facility-oriented interpretation. (2) Land productivity theory, sustainable development theory, and systems engineering theory constitute the core theoretical support. These theories provide the main foundations for understanding and explaining high-standard farmland construction from different perspectives. At the same time, current research faces challenges, notably insufficient digital and intelligent transformation and inadequate ecological integration. In other words, while the above theories form the key supporting system, the existing theoretical discussion and analytical frameworks still reveal limitations in incorporating digitalization and intelligence-oriented transformation, and in effectively integrating ecological considerations. (3) In practice, three representative practical pathways have been formed: scaling-up construction coupled with land fertility improvement, eco-oriented development coupled with coordinated water–soil management, and smart development coupled with precision management. These pathways reflect different emphases in practical advancement, including the combination of large-scale construction with land fertility enhancement, the alignment of ecological orientation with water–soil coordination, and the integration of smart approaches with precise management. However, the effectiveness evaluation system still exhibits a structural deficiency, placing emphasis on static engineering indicators while underemphasizing dynamic comprehensive effectiveness. As a result, existing evaluation approaches tend to focus more on relatively static engineering metrics, while they pay less attention to the dynamic and comprehensive effectiveness that should be reflected in evaluation. (4) Regarding future prospects, this review proposes a breakthrough path based on four-dimensional synergy among theory, technology, institutions, and evaluation. Specifically, it suggests integrating digital twins and resilience models at the theoretical level, integrating AI and blockchain at the technological level, promoting institutional innovations such as cross-regional compensation and a “dual-track operation-and-maintenance” mechanism, and constructing a dynamic evaluation system centered on “production capacity–ecology–well-being”. Overall, this review proposes a paradigm shift from an “engineering-oriented” approach to “system governance”. By summarizing the evolution of connotation, clarifying the core theoretical support and existing challenges, identifying representative practical pathways, and highlighting the structural deficiency in effectiveness evaluation, the paper aims to provide references for deepening theoretical research on high-standard farmland and for advancing construction practice.