Assessing the Rural–Urban Transition of China during 1980–2020 from a Coordination Perspective

Shiwei Zhang, Jinghui Zhao (), Yanfeng Jiang (), Ali Cheshmehzangi and Wenbin Zhou
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Shiwei Zhang: Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Jinghui Zhao: Hangzhou Yuanjie Space Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310030, China
Yanfeng Jiang: School of Public Policy and Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Ali Cheshmehzangi: Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315100, China
Wenbin Zhou: School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 6, 1-15

Abstract: Under the context of global rapid urbanization, exploring the dynamics of rural–urban transition in China can provide valuable experience for the Global South. In this study, we evaluate the rural–urban transition in China, from 1980 to 2020, based on socioeconomic data and a rural–urban transition coordination model by constructing a rural–urban development and integration index system. We identify the state and transition types, and we present optimization paths. The results show that, since the reform and opening-up, the rural–urban development index (URDI) in China has gradually expanded among regions while the rural–urban integrated index (URII) has experienced a trend of decline followed by an increase. Over the past 40 years, the spatial distribution characteristics of the Δ URDI have been “south high–north low”, while the Δ URII has had a balanced spatial distribution. Over the first two decades of the past 40 years, the rural–urban transition in eastern coastal China was more coordinated, while regions with less coordination showed a two-tiered distribution pattern; over the last two decades, the coordination degree has increased. Over the past 40 years, the spatial distribution of high coordination presents “T-shaped” coastal and riverside characteristics. The transition types and coupling relationships of state regions are identified. Finally, optimization pathways are proposed for each type to further promote rural–urban integration.

Keywords: rural–urban transition; urban and rural integration; urban and rural relations; rural and urban disparities; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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