Abstract
Understanding the relationship between China’s urbanization and economic development on a provincial scale is of profound theoretical and practical significance. Based on data from 124 countries or regions throughout the world and 31 provinces or autonomous regions in China, applying improved methods using the quadrant map approach, this paper analyzed the spatial pattern of the relationship between China’s urbanization and economic development level. The study identified the following results. (1) The 31 province-level regions fall into six categories: only one region is in the category of sharp over-urbanization, 3 regions are in medium over-urbanization, 11 slight over-urbanization, 8 basic coordination, one medium under-urbanization, and seven slight under-urbanization. (2) There are significant regional differences on a provincial scale in the relationships between urbanization and the level of economic development. (3) The provincial pattern of urbanization and economic development is significantly different between east and west. The eastern coastal areas are mainly over-urbanized, while the central and western regions are mainly under-urbanized. (4) The relationship between urbanization and the level of economic development is similar to the Matthew effect. Hence, two important insights are proposed. First, the phenomenon of over-urbanization in some developed regions should be viewed with some concern and vigilance. Second, urbanization needs to be speeded up moderately in the central and western regions.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chang G H, Brada J C, 2006. The paradox of China’s growing under-urbanization. Economic Systems, 30: 24–40.
Chen Mingxing, Liu Weidong, Tao Xiaoli, 2013. Evolution and assessment on China’s urbanization 1960–2010: Under-urbanization or over-urbanization? Habitat International, 38(4): 25–33.
Chen Mingxing, Lu Dadao, Zha Liangsong, 2009. Urbanization and economic development in China: An international comparison based on quadrant map approach. Geographical Research, 28(2): 464–474. (in Chinese)
Chen Mingxing, Ye Chao, Fu Chengwei, 2007. Urbanization level in China: A retrospect and consideration. Urban Planning Forum, (6): 54–59. (in Chinese)
Chenery H, Syrquin M, 1988. The Development Style: 1950–1970. In: Li Xinhua et al. Beijing: Economic Science Press. (in Chinese)
Ebanks G E, Cheng C, 1990. China: A unique urbanization model. Asia-Pacific Population Journal, 5: 29–50.
Fan Jie, 2007. The scientific foundation of major function-oriented zoning in China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 62(4): 339–350. (in Chinese)
Fan Jie, Tian Ming, 2003. Relative analysis and provincial differences of China’s urbanization and non-agricultural development. Scientia Geographica Sinica, 23(6): 641–648. (in Chinese)
Fang Chuanglin, Liu Haiyan, 2007. The spatial privation and the corresponding controlling paths in China’s ur banization process. Acta Geographica Sinica, 62(8): 849–860. (in Chinese)
Friedmann J, 2006. Four theses in the study of China’s urbanization. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 30(2): 440–451.
Gu Chaolin, 2004. Relations between China’s urbanization and economic and social development since the reform and opening up. Human Geography, 19(2): 1–5. (in Chinese)
Gu Chaolin, Yu Taofang, Li Wangming. et al., 2008. The Pattern, Process and Mechanism of China’s Urbanization. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)
Guo Kesha, 2002. An economic analysis of the relationship between industrialization and urbanization. Social Sciences in China, (2): 44–45. (in Chinese)
Henderson J V, 2003. The urbanization process and economic growth: The so-what question. Journal of Economic Growth, 8(1): 47–71.
Li Guoping, 2008. The analysis and evaluation of the compatible relationship between industrialization and urbanization in China. Areal Research and Development, 27(5): 6–16. (in Chinese)
Liang Jinshe, 1999. A theoretical analysis of statistical relationship between urbanization and economic development. Journal of Natural Resources, 14(4): 351–354. (in Chinese)
Lin G, 2006. Peri-urbanism in globalizing China: A study of new urbanism in Dongguan. Eurasian Geography and Economics, 47(1): 28–53.
Lin G, 2007. Chinese urbanism in question: State, society, and the reproduction of urban spaces. Urban Geography, 28: 7–29.
Liu Shenghe, Chen Tian, Cai Jianming, 2003. Provincial disparities of the relationship between industrialization and urbanization. Acta Geographica Sinica, 58(6): 937–946. (in Chinese)
Liu Shenghe, Li Xiubin, Zhang Ming, 2003. Scenario Analysis on Urbanization and Rural-Urban Migration in China. Interim Report, IR-03-036, International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria.
Liu Yu, 2007. The regional characteristics and differences of China’s urbanization. Urban Planning Forum, (2): 15–19. (in Chinese)
Lu Dadao, Yao Shimou, Liu Hui et al., 2007. China Regional Development Report: Urbanization and Spatial Sprawl. Beijing: The Commercial Press. (in Chinese)
Xu Xueqiang, Ye Jiaan, 1986. Provincial variation of urbanization in China. Acta Geographica Sinica, 41(1): 8–22. (in Chinese)
Zhang L, Simon X B Zhao, 1998. Re-examining China’s “urban” concept and the level of urbanization. China Quarterly, (154): 330–381.
Zhang Li, Simon X B Zhao, 2003. Reinterpretation of China’s under-urbanization: A systemic perspective. Habitat International, 27: 459–483.
Zhang Shanyu, 2002. Analysis on the difference of the developing level of the regional urbanization in China. Population Journal, (5): 37–42. (in Chinese)
Zhou Yixing, 1982. The laws of the relationship between urbanization and GDP. Population and Economics, (1): 28–33. (in Chinese)
Zhou Yixing, Laurence J C Ma, 2003. China’s urbanization levels: Reconstructing a baseline from the Fifth Population Census. China Quarterly, 173: 184–204.
Zhu Chuangeng, Wang Zhenbo, Qiu Fangdao, 2006. Study on urbanization model of provincial border-regions. Human Geography, 21(1): 1–5, 128. (in Chinese)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Foundation: National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41001080; No.40971076; No.41230632; Key Project for the Strategic Science Plan in IGSNRR, CAS, No.2012ZD006
Author: Chen Mingxing (1982–), PhD, specialized in urbanization and regional development.
Corresponding author: Ma Li (1975–), PhD, specialized in economic geography and regional sustainable development.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chen, M., Huang, Y., Tang, Z. et al. The provincial pattern of the relationship between urbanization and economic development in China. J. Geogr. Sci. 24, 33–45 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-014-1071-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-014-1071-9