Polycentric urban development in China: a multi-scale analysis

Liu, X., Derudder, B. and Wang, M. (2018) Polycentric urban development in China: a multi-scale analysis. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, 45(5), pp. 953-972. (doi: 10.1177/2399808317690155)

Abstract

This article reports a multi-scale analysis of polycentric urban development in 22 Chinese city-regions. Using fine-grained population data, our analysis contrasts polycentric development patterns at multiple geographical scales. We present a typology of Chinese city-regions based on both (1) their inter-city polycentricity and (2) the intra-city polycentricity of the individual cities that comprise these urban regions. Overall, we find only limited levels of association between inter-city and intra-city polycentricity. The Pearl River and Yangtze River Deltas have high levels of inter-city and intra-city polycentricity. Most city-regions in Central and Western China are characterized by a primate urban system and low levels of inter-city polycentricity. We hypothesize the major economic, political, and geographical processes underlying observed patterns.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study is supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41501177), Hong Kong RGC/ECS (27604016) and Hui Oi Chow Trust Fund (201502172005).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Liu, Dr Xingjian and Wang, Dr Mingshu
• Authors: Liu, X., Derudder, B., and Wang, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences; College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 2399-8083
• ISSN (Online): 2399-8091
• Published Online: 06 February 2017