Formulating scientific regional development strategies is an inherent requirement for achieving common prosperity, which runs through the entire process of the Communist Party of China’s pursuit of common prosperity. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the CPC’s promotion of common prosperity has evolved from the development approach of “seeking wealth through equalization” to “leading the less affluent regions with the more prosperous ones”, and from unbalanced development to coordinated regional development. Different forms of understanding and specific manifestations have emerged in various historical periods, primarily reflected as follows. During the socialist revolution and construction period, efforts were made to advance common prosperity across coastal and inland areas, as well as Han and ethnic minority regions, through balanced regional development. In the new era of reform, opening-up, and socialist modernization, the non-balanced development strategy of “leading the less affluent regions with the more prosperous ones” was transformed into promoting common prosperity through coordinated regional development. In the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, regional coordination has been enhanced through measures such as promoting equal access to basic public services and comprehensively advancing rural revitalization to achieve common prosperity for all people. A review of the Party’s tumultuous history reveals that formulating regional development strategies to promote common prosperity must adhere to a people-centered development philosophy, vigorously liberate and develop social productive forces, and uphold historical initiative. These insights will provide crucial historical experience for our Party to continue advancing common prosperity in the new journey of national rejuvenation and building a strong country.