Spatial Characteristics and Factors Influencing the Rural Development Level of Chinese Counties on the Basis of Point Data

Min Zhao, Qi Chen, Jun Zhang, Qianwen Xu and Peng Li ()
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Min Zhao: School of Architecture and Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Qi Chen: School of Architecture and Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Jun Zhang: School of Architecture and Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Qianwen Xu: School of Architecture and Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Peng Li: School of Business and Tourism, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 3, 1-25

Abstract: Measuring the rural development level of counties is helpful for identifying regional differences and proposing targeted strategies. In this study, 44,743-point data were selected from 17 types of rural lists in China, and a four-dimensional indicator system was constructed following the “point-to-area” principle, to analyse the spatial differentiation and factors influencing rural development levels. The results reveal that the characteristic points of rural development present a “polarized” pattern along the Hu Huanyong Line, with four agglomeration cores in Southeast China. The third quadrant, delineated by the Hu Huanyong Line and the Botai Line, has the lowest rural development level. Meanwhile, the eastern coastal area and the northern coastal area lead in average rural development level among eight socioeconomic zones. Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai have either the highest or second highest levels in overall and dimensional development, whereas Tibet has the lowest level. Moreover, the cultural level in most counties remains at a relatively low level or below. The key factors influencing this pattern include the natural environment and economic production, especially river density, cultural resources, and general public budget expenditure per capita. This study deepens the understanding of rural development, aiming to inform global sustainable rural development assessment.

Keywords: rural development level; point-to-area; point data; spatial characteristics; Chinese county (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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