Population distribution and its change in Guangzhou city

Abstract

Population density in Guangzhou City is characterized by a main single center and considerable differences throughout the 8 districts and 112 neighborhoods and towns. Historically, population density in Guangzhou City rose sharply, and population distribution was mainly influenced by the attraction of the port. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), a series of large-sized factories were built in suburban areas, which drew in a large amount of population from the areas outside of Guangzhou. A small part of this population lived in the suburban areas while most resided within the city centre. As the natural increase rate of population was very high, the population density of both the city centre and suburban areas rose, the former rose at higher rates. Since reform and the opening up to the outside world, Chinese economy has grown quickly, the total population of Guangzhou has also increased quickly. Meanwhile, changes in population density within the city is becoming more and more obvious. Population density in the city centre is falling and in city periphery is rising. From the analysis of the population density model, it is found that population distribution of Guangzhou is in the process of transition from an early stage to a mature stage. Population decline within the centre city of Guangzhou City, which reflects a prosperous economy of the city, is significantly different from the recession of in the western countries.