Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, China

Hongping Lian, Yuedong Zhang, Xuezhen Xiong and Wenjing Han ()
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Hongping Lian: Key Laboratory of Natural Resources Monitoring in Tropical and Subtropical Area of South China, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou 510663, China
Yuedong Zhang: School of Government, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
Xuezhen Xiong: School of Government, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
Wenjing Han: School of Government, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-21

Abstract: This study focuses on 67 counties in Guangdong Province, China, and investigates the spatial distribution patterns, regional differentiation characteristics, and functional zoning of rural areas based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” (PLE) functional synergy theoretical framework. Multiple quantitative methods, including the entropy method, spatial concentration degree, and functional identification, were employed. Key findings include: (1) Rural functions in Guangdong exhibit significant heterogeneous evolution. Production functions have generally weakened, showing a spatial pattern of “consolidation in the south and decline in the north”. Ecological functions demonstrate a U-shaped recovery trend, with high-value areas concentrating around the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration, indicating effective ecological protection policies. Living functions continue to decline due to population mobility and imbalanced public services. (2) Structural transformation of rural function types occurred: Weakly integrated counties decreased (2010–2019), dual function type counties (production–ecological and living–ecological) significantly increased, and ecology-dominant counties predominated, highlighting ecological polarization under policy interventions. (3) Functional evolution is driven by terrain gradients, policy regulation, and industrial relocation. The research provides empirical evidence for optimizing territorial spatial governance and coordinating urban–rural development. Recommendations include promoting dynamic PLE balance through high-standard farmland construction, ecological industrialization cultivation, and cross-regional compensation mechanisms to facilitate rural revitalization and sustainable development.

Keywords: rural function; production–living–ecological functions; Guangdong Province (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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