Frontier of Rural Revitalization in China: A Spatial Analysis of National Rural Tourist Towns

Zirui Zhan, Jeremy Cenci and Jiazhen Zhang
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Zirui Zhan: College of Art and Design, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
Jeremy Cenci: Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Mons, Rue d’ Havre, 88, 7000 Mons, Belgium
Jiazhen Zhang: Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Mons, Rue d’ Havre, 88, 7000 Mons, Belgium

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: As the national economic situation improves, concerns about rural issues in China, a large agricultural country, are gradually increasing. Hence, rural tourism has been thrust into the limelight. This research is based on the National Rural Tourist Towns of China (NRTTC). It aims to analyze the spatial structure, influencing factors and their relevance to rural tourism development. Initially, this research examines the spatial distribution pattern in terms of kernel density. Subsequently, the imbalance index and Lorenz curve are used to distinguish the differences in spatial distribution. The Gini coefficient is used to explore the clustered regional distribution. The results indicate the following: (1) the number of NRTTC in each province is relatively even; and (2) the spatial distribution is highly uneven. The degree of aggregation is bounded by the Hu Huanyong boundary, with more in the southeast and less in the northwest. The capital circle is the core density area. Additionally, those NRTTC in the eastern and southeastern regions have a large distribution density and a more comprehensive radiation range. This study additionally analyzed the factors influencing the spatial distribution characteristics of NRTTC, and found four crucial aspects, namely, the national development strategy, the social environment, the geographical environment, and historical development. This research can provide a reference for the construction of rural tourist towns in different countries and regions.

Keywords: cultural heritage; influencing factors; national rural tourist towns of China; rural economy; rural revitalization; rural tourism; spatial distribution characteristics; spatial layout; spatial structure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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