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Urban–rural integration, which aims to balance economic growth with sustainable land use, is becoming an increasingly critical strategy for regional development. This study provides crucial insights into the relationship between land use changes and ecosystem service values (ESVs) in rapidly urbanizing areas by analyzing the urban–rural integration process in Henan Province, a typical agricultural province in China. This research investigated the relationship between land use transformation and ESVs in Henan Province, China, from 1990 to 2020. Utilizing land use data and employing the equivalent factor method and elasticity model, we analyzed shifts in land use and their impacts on ecosystem services across 17 prefecture-level cities. Results indicated a gradual improvement in the urban–rural integration development index of Henan Province, particularly after 2000, but with notable disparities among cities. Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, consistently demonstrated high urban–rural integration development index (URII) values, influencing the integration efforts of neighboring cities. Conversely, peripheral cities exhibited lower integration indices. Notable shifts in land use patterns characterized by diverse transfer dynamics distinctively influenced ESVs across regions. Urban sprawl initially exerted substantial impacts on ecosystem services and stabilized over time. Suburbanization impacts peaked in the early and middle stages, while agricultural intensification initially affected ecosystem services, but their effects diminished with increased efficiency. Ecological restoration efforts consistently enhanced ESVs. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interactions between land use transitions and ecosystem services in the context of urban–rural integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study dissects tourism consumption willingness into dimensions—namely, consumption ability, security, vision, and concept—drawing from 2018 data on urban and rural family tourism in developed eastern China (Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai) from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). By matching explanatory variables within CFPS, the study employs independent sample t-tests and multiple regression equations to examine and discuss relevant findings. Results indicate significant impacts of select variables within consumption ability and security dimensions on tourism expenditures among residents of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Similarly, variables within the consumption vision dimension demonstrate substantial influence, whereas those within the consumption concept dimension show negligible impact on tourism expenditures in these regions. This underscores the predominant influence of consumption ability, security, and vision over consumption concept on tourism expenditures. Notably, consumption vision emerges as the most influential dimension affecting tourism expenditures among residents of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Based on these insights, the study proposes a policy framework aimed at encouraging active participation of urban and rural families in integrating cultural tourism, thereby fostering urban-rural integration and advancing rural revitalization strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management and protection of urban-rural integrated construction of rural infrastructure is an important part of urban-rural integrated development. By investigating the situation of management and protection of urban-rural integrated construction of rural infrastructure in Tianjin and the actual needs of farmers, this paper systematically sorts out the basic situation of management and protection of rural infrastructure construction in Tianjin in recent years, analyzes the individual problems existing in management and protection of different types of infrastructure construction, dig outstanding common problems and propose countermeasures and give policy suggestions on improving the integration of urban and rural public infrastructure management mechanism, provides a useful reference for boosting urban and rural integration development [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of urbanization is limited by the widening urban–rural gap worldwide, which needs to be improved by reconsidering the interaction between urban and rural areas dynamically and systematically. This study aims to use multidimensional connectivity network analysis to answer the role of landscape resources as a connecting medium (represented by linear canals) penetrating the urban–rural space in urban–rural integration. First, this study proposes a framework of "Urban–Canal–Rural" from a multidimensional perspective. In this research, we re-examined the urban–rural differences within the region by using the canal as the central regional conduit connecting urban and rural areas. Then, an association network based on five dimensions was constructed, and the network's connectivity was detected. In light of this, the integration characteristics and factor flow mechanism of "Urban–Canal–Rural" were revealed. Based on the study, we identified the potential interactive advantages of urban–rural integration within the canal basin, which provides the strategy for the development of "Urban–Canal–Rural" integration. The study found that within the same region, "Urban–Canal–Rural" shows completely different correlation strengths in five dimensions, revealing that the urban–rural differences in the process of urbanization are closely related to the inadequate utilization of resources. It also confirmed the importance of multidimensional network construction in balancing the allocation of resources between urban and rural areas in the process of urban–rural integration. Finally, the relations of factor mobility and resource allocation to sustainable urban and rural development were discussed. The authors argued that core resources between rural and urban areas are the key variable in restructuring rural–urban relations to achieve sustainable development. In general, urban and rural development should maintain the integrity and balance of the regional system. Additionally, this study provides Chinese experience for the worldwide study of urban–rural sustainable development. Practical Applications: How to scrutinize the new interaction and balance between urban and rural areas is an unavoidable topic for urban and rural development. Examining the issue of urban–rural differences in the process of urbanization from a dynamic and systematic perspective, we found a close relationship between the balance and utilization of regional resources and regional differences. This paper adopted a network analysis method and proposed a framework of "Urban–Canal–Rural" from a multidimensional perspective. It aimed to use multidimensional connectivity network analysis to answer the role of landscape resources as a connecting medium (represented by linear canals) penetrating the urban–rural space in urban–rural integration. Network analysis was used to grasp the whole picture of the urban–rural spatial structure and reveal the overall characteristics of the network structure to determine the optimal network connectivity and resource allocation. This method can be used to facilitate the optimization of interregional connectivity and resource allocation approaches, as well as the formulation and communication of consensus-building processes for planning and sustainable development management. It is applicable not only in the context of this study using Jiangsu Province as a case study but also can provide a generalized policy impact and development regulation basis for projects outside of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Urban-rural integration is a key factor affecting agricultural ecological efficiency. This paper clarifies the logical relationship between the two and its mechanism, hoping to provide policy enlightenment for promoting the steady improvement of agricultural ecological efficiency and promoting the green development of agriculture. [Methods] Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China’s mainland from 2006 to 2020, the entropy method and Super-NSBM model were used to measure urban-rural integration and agricultural ecological efficiency and their sub-stages, and the spatial distribution of urban-rural integration and agricultural ecological efficiency was compared and analyzed. Then the fixed effect model and threshold effect model were used to analyze the influence of urban-rural integration on agricultural ecological efficiency and its mechanism. [Results] The results show that urban-rural integration could not only effectively promote the improvement of agricultural ecological efficiency, but also significantly promote the agricultural production accumulation stage and the agricultural ecological management stage. Urban-rural integration had an impact on agricultural ecological efficiency mainly through improving technical efficiency. Based on the decomposition of urban-rural integration, the integration of land and capital was the key to improve agricultural ecological efficiency. From the perspective of geographical location heterogeneity and grain production functional area heterogeneity, in the central and western regions, the integrated development of urban and rural areas played a significant role in promoting agricultural ecological efficiency, while the effect in the eastern region was not significant. Compared with major grain-producing areas, urban-rural integration in non-major grain-producing areas can produce a more significant and larger effect on improving agricultural ecological efficiency. With the improvement of the development level of urban-rural integration, the promotion effect of urban-rural integration on agricultural ecological efficiency had a significant threshold effect, that is, the positive impact of urban-rural integration on agricultural ecological efficiency was characterized by diminishing marginal effect. [Conclusion] Rural-urban integration had a positive impact on agricultural ecological efficiency in China, and this impact showed geographical location heterogeneity, grain production functional area heterogeneity, and threshold effect. To this end, the independent development and introduction of green innovative technologies should be encouraged, the application channels of green production technologies should be broadened, and the efficient integration of people, land, and capital should be promoted through the establishment of differentiated urban-rural integrated development systems and mechanisms, in order to realize the coordinated development of green agricultural production and economic growth.

[Objective] The purpose of the study was to explore the evolution process, development stages, and driving factors of farmland marginalization in typical villages in mountainous areas, to examine the characteristics and mechanisms of farmland marginalization and provide theoretical references and case studies for the sustainable development of agriculture and rural revitalization of a wide range of mountainous villages. [Methods] Based on the data of two typical villages in Liupanshui City of Guizhou Province from 2000 to 2020 and 641 survey questionnaires of farmers, this study constructed an evaluation index system for farmland marginalization from explicit and implicit perspectives, introduced the concepts of farmland marginalization intensity and marginalization contribution rate, to identify the process and stage characteristics of farmland marginalization. [Results] The results show that: (1) Farmland marginalization includes the transfer of land use at the explicit level and factor input changes at the implicit level, the complete development process is composed of the initial period, development period, gradual change period, and stabilization period, and the development rate and stage characteristics are affected by a combination of macro and micro factors. (2) Farmland marginalization in Shepeng Village and Houchang Village showed a trend of gradually increasing index values but gradually decreasing intensity, and the overall farmland marginalization index value of the former was lower than that of the latter during the study period, with implicit marginalization constituting the main part. (3) In terms of influencing factors, farmland transfer behavior and labor force characteristics played a dominant role in farmland marginalization in urban-rural integration-type villages, and farmland utilization conditions and resource endowment played an important role in farmland marginalization in traditional agricultural villages. [Conclusion] Farmland marginalization in mountainous areas experienced the inevitable impact of natural factors and socioeconomic changes, and the process of farmland marginalization in different types of villages had different characteristics. Urban-rural integration villages should establish a moderate balance between food and ecological securities through continuous innovation of agricultural land use systems and integration of village development factors; and traditional agricultural villages should respond reasonably to the trend of farmland marginalization by strengthening policy support and guidance, and optimizing the structure of agricultural production.

Against the background of the new phase of urban-rural integration and development in China, the importance of the translocal mindset has been increasingly highlighted. It has also been found that factors such as urban-rural factor flow, structural adjustment, and functional transformation have a series of effects on household livelihood resilience. Therefore, identifying rural-urban translocal household livelihood resilience characteristics and exploring the rural-urban population impact influx on rural household livelihood resilience are important guidelines for the formulation and implementation of policies related to new urbanization, regional agriculture, and rural areas. This study conducted in-depth field research in six villages spanning four counties and districts in Lishui City to identify the key characteristics of translocal households. It constructed an indicator system encompassing buffering capacity, self-organization, and learning ability, employed advanced mathematical methods such as the entropy method, comprehensive index method, and structural equation modeling to quantitatively measure the livelihood resilience of translocal families, and analyzed the characteristics of different types of translocal households' livelihood resilience in different regions and the influencing factors of translocal households' livelihood resilience in the context of population mobility. In addition, this study examined the most recent and pre-eminent scholarly works, profoundly incorporating their insights. This approach not only enhances the theoretical lens for examining the resilience of urban-rural cross-regional household livelihoods, but also provides a rigorous scientific basis for policy formulation. These authoritative references, characterized by their theoretical sophistication and empirical robustness, serve as a crucial source of inspiration and validation for this research, thereby assuming paramount significance in guiding the advancement of new urbanization and urban-rural integration. Based on the aforementioned study background, research methodology, and cited authoritative literature, this study drew the following conclusions: 1) Urban cross-locality significantly enhances the resilience level of rural families with poor transportation conditions and average economic development. However, for rural areas with better overall development, the impact of such rural-urban population migration is limited. The overall level of livelihood resilience of rural-urban cross-regional families in Lishui is moderate, with a mean score of 0.304, which is significantly higher than the mean value of 0.245 for non-cross-regional rural families. This difference is mainly reflected in the learning abilities of the family members. 2) The key to rural-urban cross-locality migration lies in the information flow transmitted by family members after migration. This greatly enhances the knowledge and information environment of the family, further increasing their livelihood resilience by optimizing their learning ability. The improvement in the information environment obtained through population migration has a greater impact on the family livelihood resilience level than capital flow, whereas material flow has no significant impact. 3) In addition to information flow, factors such as "proportion of migrant workers," "education level of migrant workers," "occupational stability of migrant workers," "number of vocational training times for migrant workers," and "income proportion of migrant workers" are also key factors affecting the livelihood resilience of cross-locality families. 4) The impact of population flow characteristics on resilience is the most significant, followed by information flow characteristics; furthermore, capital flow's impact is relatively low. However, there is no significant correlation between material flow characteristics and level of resilience of cross-regional family livelihoods. Besides strengthening their own capabilities, migrant workers conveying ideas and information about new technologies in the city to rural families is also an important factor improving the level of resilience in family livelihoods.

Rapid urbanization leads to fragmentation and reduced connectivity of urban landscapes, endangering regional biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Constructing a red, green, and blue spatial ecological network is an effective way to alleviate ecological pressure and promote economic development. Using circuit theory, hydrological analysis, and suitability analysis, this study constructs a composite ecological network under urban–rural integration. The results show the following: (1) A total of 22 ecological corridors with a length of 349.20 km, 22 ecological pinch points, and 22 ecological barrier points are identified in the municipal area, mainly distributed in Haidong Town. There are 504 stormwater corridors, which are more evenly distributed, 502 riverfront landscape corridors, and 130 slow-moving landscape corridors. (2) A total of 20 ecological corridors, with a length of 99.23 km, 19 ecological pinch points, and 25 barrier points were identified in the main urban area, and most of them are located in the ecological corridors. There are 71 stormwater corridors, mainly located in the northwestern forest area, 71 riverfront recreation corridors, and 50 slow-moving recreation corridors. (3) Two scales of superimposed ecological source area of 3.65 km2, and eleven ecological corridors, are primarily distributed between Erhai Lake and Xiaguan Town. There are two superimposed stormwater corridors and fourteen recreational corridors. The eco-nodes are mostly distributed in the east and south of Dali City; wetland nodes are mainly situated in the eighteen streams of Cangshan Mountain; and landscape nodes are more balanced in spatial distribution. The study results can provide a reference for composite ecological network construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinating the construction of villages and towns with the county as the basic unit and promoting the optimal allocation of infrastructure and public utilities within the county is an important measure to improve the rural habitat and enhance the well-being of residents. Using the field survey data from western China and the IPA-Kano model method, this study reveals the importance of the impact of habitat environment on life satisfaction in county seat, town and village communities, and identifies the priorities for improvement and enhancement in light of their actual performance. The empirical analysis found that the three types of communities have some differences in the classification of basic factors, key performance factors and excitement factors, and their priorities for improvement are also different. Overall, the improvement priorities of town and village communities are relatively similar, and the differences between the two types of communities and county seat's communities are obvious. Differentiated improvement measures should be adopted for different types of communities in order to effectively improve the well-being of residents and achieve rational allocation of public resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid urbanization observed in major Chinese cities has resulted in the degradation of both urban and rural environments. In response to this challenge, the concept of regional green spaces has emerged as an innovative approach to coordinate and manage green space resources across urban and rural areas. This study focuses on conducting a comprehensive analysis of the evolution, driving factors, and future scenarios of regional green spaces in Changzhou, which serves as a representative Type I large city in China. To accomplish this analysis, Landsat satellite images from 1992, 2002, 2012, and 2022 were utilized. Various methodologies, including landscape pattern indices for quantitative evaluation, the CLUE-S model, logistic regression for qualitative evaluation, and the Markov–FLUS model, were employed. The findings indicate a continuous decline in the area of regional green spaces in Changzhou, decreasing from 248.23 km2 in 1992 to 204.46 km2 in 2022. Landscape pattern analysis reveals an increase in fragmentation, complexity, irregularity, and human interference within these green spaces. Logistic regression analysis identifies key driving factors influencing regional green spaces, including elevation, urban population, and proximity to water bodies and transportation. The scenario simulations provide valuable insights into potential future trends of regional green spaces. According to the economic priority scenario, a modest increase in regional green spaces is anticipated, while the ecological priority scenario indicates substantial growth. Conversely, the inertial development scenario predicts a continued decline in regional green spaces. This research emphasizes the significance of achieving a harmonious coexistence between economic progress and environmental preservation. It emphasizes the necessity of optimizing the arrangement of green areas within a region while fostering public engagement in the conservation of these spaces. The findings contribute to the protection and sustainable development of the urban environment in the Yangtze River Delta region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Landscape patterns result from complex social-ecological interactions, such as urban-rural integration which is especially notable in China. However, the impacts of urban-rural integration on landscape sustainability remain understudied. Objectives: Our objectives were to examine the impacts of urban-rural integration on landscape patterns and to explore its implications for landscape sustainability. Methods: The study area is the Changsha metropolitan area in central China, which has undergone urban-rural integration since 2005. A three-step approach was used to (1) assess the spatiotemporal patterns of urban-rural integration dynamics with a multidimensional indicator system, (2) quantify landscape pattern dynamics using landscape metrics, and (3) explore the main drivers and processes involved in urban-rural integration responsible for the observed changes in landscape patterns through a time-fixed effects model. Results: Our findings reveal a significant increase in the level of urban-rural integration in the Changsha metropolitan area from 2005 to 2020. Concurrently, the regional landscape has experienced increasing trends characterized by the loss and fragmentation of natural and agricultural patches, as well as heightened connectivity among constructed patches. Urban-rural integration exerts notable impacts on landscape patterns through processes such as societal convergence, economic interaction, technology sharing, and spatial interlinkage, subsequently influencing landscape (un)sustainability. Conclusions: The different drivers and processes of urban-rural integration have varying effects on landscape patterns, with complex and intertwined impacts on landscape sustainability. Therefore, integrated landscape governance is imperative for addressing the disadvantages of urban-rural integration while strategically leveraging its advantages in various social-ecological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Outlook (1673-3908) is the property of Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Strengthening urban–rural linkages (URLs) has been proposed by UN-Habitat within the framework of 'Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)' to narrow down urban–rural differences via shaping new urban–rural relationships. Like URL, the aim of urban–rural integration (URI) has been promoted by the Chinese government since 2019 to address existing urban–rural divides. This concept underlines the 'rural revitalisation' strategy and emphasises a two-way flow of urban–rural development factors. Introducing and upgrading 'appropriate' rural industries is crucial to stimulate and facilitate the circulation of urban–rural development factors. This research studied three neighbouring villages, situated in urban–rural interface areas in Huangyan-Taizhou, China, each driven by different types of small industries supported by URI. It analyses the impact of small rural industries on the flow of development factors between urban and rural areas. The results showed that small-scale rural industries have been enhanced URL by decreasing urban–rural differences by creating new job opportunities to attract an in-flow population, increasing investments, and upgrading public services and infrastructure. Indigenous industries demonstrated lower profitability but exhibited greater resilience compared to industries linked to global production chains and rural tourism. Thus, this study demonstrates the imperative to carefully consider the opportunities and potential risks associated with pursuing strategies of URI through rural industry development. By providing empirical insights from URI projects in China, this study contributes to theoretical and policy dialogues concerning the concepts of both URL and URI by exploring the localization of SDGs. Furthermore, it offers valuable practical knowledge and experience for other global regions confronting similar challenges to urban and rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the level of urban–rural integration development and its spatio–temporal evolution patterns in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. It constructs an evaluation indicator system encompassing five dimensions: population, economy, society, ecology, and space. By comprehensively using statistical data and multi-source spatio–temporal data and employing methods such as the entropy method, ESDA, obstacle degree model, and various statistical techniques, the study measures and analyzes the level of urban–rural integration development at three time points: 2010, 2015, and 2020. The findings are as follows: (1) The overall level of urban–rural integration is low, predominantly at low to lower-middle levels, with a clear core-periphery spatial pattern where central urban areas such as Chengdu's central seven districts and Chongqing's central urban districts are high-value cores, whereas peripheral and central regional areas are less integrated. (2) From 2010 to 2020, there was a steady increase in integration levels, transitioning from a single-core to a more dynamic point-axis structure with emerging regional growth poles. However, this transition was accompanied by reduced inequality of urban–rural integration within each city, while disparities among central urban areas within its cities gradually increased. (3) The analysis of obstacles across dimensions indicates that spatial integration faces the most significant barriers, mainly due to geographical conditions and development constraints in southwestern mountainous counties. In contrast, barriers to economic and social integration, though initially lower, have gradually increased, highlighting imbalances between economic growth and social service provision. Overall, this study not only provides a systematic measurement and analytical framework for the integration and development of urban and rural areas in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle but also offers theoretical and empirical support for global research and practice on urban–rural integration. Additionally, it proposes targeted policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's current economic transformation is constrained by uneven development, which stems from traditional materialistic urbanization and results in a growing urban-rural divide and regional economic disparities. Based on the important judgment of the Chinese government relying on new urbanization to improve the uneven development, this article adopts a double difference method to analyze the policy outcomes of new urbanization pilot policies (NUPP). The findings indicate that:(1) NUPP could alleviate the uneven development within and between cities by promoting both urban-rural integration (URI) and regional synergy (SYN).(2) Rural human capital accumulation (RHCA) and industrial structure upgrading (ISU) are mediating conductance mechanisms for NUPP to affect URI and SYN, respectively.(3) the promotion effect of NUPP on URI and SYN is positively correlated with policy execution intensity and duration; (4) the dominant path of NUPP in alleviating uneven development has shifted from one-way promotion of URI to two-way promotion of URI and SYN; (5)the impact of spatial spillage of NUPP on URI is positive, with a spillover boundary of 180km, while that of SYN is negative, with a spillover boundary of 260 km. This article reveals the governance logic of China's improvement of uneven development through NUPP, which is beneficial to the promotion and replication of the Chinese solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Outlook (1673-3908) is the property of Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rural industrialisation in China, which has historically been restricted by urban–rural dual development policies, has been largely encouraged since the Rural Revitalisation Strategy released in 2018. Industrialisation has deeply influenced socio-spatial evolution by providing job opportunities and promoting the construction of infrastructure and public services, accelerating the two-way flow of urban–rural factors in rural areas. However, this may lead to social and spatial issues, such as social inequalities and unsuitable living conditions, to some extent. This research aims to investigate how the socio-spatial evolution of rural areas was influenced by rural industrialisation and the two-way flow of urban–rural factors. The cherry planting industry and an active "industrial centre", Yuezhuang Village, in Linqu County, Shandong Province, China, were selected for the empirical study. This research analysed the evolution of the cherry planting industry, the formulation of rural social networks, and the spatial adaptation of the two using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, followed by a discussion on the current rural planning policies in China. The results show that the cherry industrial chain largely extended the planting areas, and the categories of land use generally increased in Yuezhuang Village over the 30 years studied. The average output value per mu (mu is unit of area measurement used in China, where it is officially standardised. It corresponds to 1/15 of a hectare, or about 666.67 m2). In 2021 was 25 times larger than that in 1996. The population involved in industrial activities increased to over 5000 people countrywide from the initial 17 households. The results also show that urban–rural factors, such as capital, population, techniques, and information, rapidly accelerated in the annual peak season of the cherry industry. This research indicates that small-scale, characteristic, and traditional agriculture could become one of the main driving forces in urban–rural integration and may contribute to sustainable and inclusive rural communities and urban–rural partnerships. This provides the theoretical mechanism of socio-spatial interaction in rural industrialisation in China based on the empirical case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of urban–rural integration (URI) on the transition of arable land use functions (TALUF), providing both theoretical and empirical insights into how URI can promote TALUF. Utilizing panel data from 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2003 to 2022, this research employs the entropy method, Durbin model, and spatial threshold model to assess the levels of URI and TALUF in the region and examine the direct impact, spatial spillover effects, and threshold effects of URI on TALUF. The findings are: (1) During the study period, both TALUF and URI levels in the YRD showed continuous improvement, although significant spatial imbalances persisted, with regional differentiation gradually diminishing. (2) URI exerts a significant inhibitory effect on TALUF and produces a negative spatial spillover effect. (3) URI exerts a single threshold effect on TALUF: below the economic development threshold of 0.733, URI and its spatial term inhibit TALUF, whereas above this threshold, they promote it. Consequently, fostering high-quality regional economic development, enhancing intercity cooperation, driving agricultural technological innovation, and increasing agricultural input intensity are essential strategies for arable land use policies in the context of URI.

Amidst global sustainability challenges across domains such as energy, water, and transportation, China's urbanisation process presents unique socio-economic dynamics, particularly following the Reform and Opening Up policy. The existing literature has not fully captured the complex interplay between urban growth and sustainability challenges in China, nor has it adequately explored the phased nature of urbanisation informed by evolving policies. This paper provides a comprehensive review of China's urban transition, emphasising its evolution since the Reform and Opening Up policy. Through systematic analysis, it delineates the multifaceted nature of urbanisation, reflecting on policy impacts and socio-economic shifts. Findings indicate transformative urban growth characterised by new challenges in environmental sustainability, social equity, and urban–rural integration. The research unveils the transition to a human-centric urban development model, highlighting policy shifts towards sustainable practices. The results suggest a nuanced urban–rural convergence, advocating for participatory governance and balanced growth. The unique contribution of this study lies in its empirical and theoretical examination of China's urbanisation within a global context, offering a critical perspective on policy formulation and sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is pivotal for national sustainable development. This study utilizes panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning from 1990 to 2021 to construct distinct indicator systems for urban–rural integration and food security. The entropy method is employed to assess levels of urban–rural integration and food security, with their inter-relationship examined through a fixed-effects model. Additionally, this study conducts rigorous robustness and endogeneity tests, alongside comprehensive heterogeneity analyses across various dimensions and regions. The findings underscore the significant role of urban–rural integration in enhancing food security, particularly within spatial, social, and economic dimensions, albeit encountering challenges in ecological integration. Moreover, the impact of urban–rural integration on food security manifests differently across diverse food-producing regions, exhibiting notable advantages in primary production and distribution hubs while being negligible in balanced regions. These results accentuate the critical necessity for refining urban–rural integration strategies to bolster food security. Consequently, in formulating agricultural regional policies, careful consideration of resource allocation and the developmental stages of each region is imperative to ensure food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban–rural integration is a top priority in social development and an urgent requirement for vigorously promoting rural revitalization. However, the current development of urban–rural integration in China still faces issues such as an unreasonable urban–rural industrial structure, unidirectional flow of rural population, and low sense of belonging among rural residents. Based on this, this paper selects eight cities from the Greater Bay Area as examples, organizing urban–rural integration development data from 1986 to 2022. It employs principal component analysis to quantitatively evaluate the evolutionary trend of urban–rural integration, constructs a fixed-effect panel quantile regression model to explore the factors influencing urban–rural integration and its spatiotemporal evolution, and uses threshold effects and interaction effects to test the threshold and application requirements for maximizing the benefits of urban–rural integration driving mechanisms, drawing empirical insights from comparisons with other bay areas around the world. The research found the following: First, between 1986 and 2022, the development of urban–rural integration in the Greater Bay Area steadily progressed, with gradually emerging effects, and industrial integration and population integration made significant contributions to the development of urban–rural integration. Second, the driving mechanisms of market economics, government intervention, and social fusion significantly impact urban–rural integration, with the influence of market economics being the most significant. Third, the impacts of the three driving mechanisms on urban–rural integration show temporal and spatial differences. In terms of time, market economics and government intervention always have a positive impact, while social fusion shows a "suppressing-promoting" trend, with a lower impact coefficient. Spatially, there are differences in strategies and priorities for promoting urban–rural integration in each region. Fourth, all three driving mechanisms exhibit threshold effects, and the explanatory power of any two interacting driving mechanisms for urban–rural integration development is stronger than that of any single mechanism. Notably, the combined interaction effect of the three driving mechanisms has the highest impact coefficient. The driving mechanisms should be implemented according to the principles of "synchronization, heterogeneity, and categorization". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common prosperity is an important feature of Chinese path to modernization, and urbanization is a necessary path to achieving Chinese path to modernization. However, the current urbanization of counties is plagued by problems such as unbalanced regional development, widening gap between urban and rural areas, unsound infrastructure construction, and imperfect public service support, which constrains the realization of common prosperity. How to build a scientific and reasonable evaluation system to assess the development level of county urbanization and the degree of urban-rural integration is of great significance in promoting the healthy development of county urbanization and realizing common prosperity. This paper systematically reviews the historical origin and theoretical connotation of common prosperity, explores the internal mechanism of county urbanization for common prosperity, and then bases on Amartya Sen's proposition that social development should be a continuous expansion of the “feasible range of capabilities” of human beings in order to realize greater substantive freedom, arguing that realizing the “common prosperity” as well as the “realization of free and comprehensive development of human beings” implies a continuous expansion of the scope of the feasible range of people's capabilities, and that, from the concrete point of view, not only the incomes of the inhabitants should be made fair and reasonable, but also the range of commodities and services that can be consumed by the urban and rural inhabitants should be continuously expanded, and the gaps between the groups should be continuously narrowed. Therefore, based on the principles of systematicity, scientificity, objectivity and foresight, this study is based on the data from the Statistical Yearbook and the big data from the platform of “ Data Intelligence Portal for Social Science Studies”(DIPS)developed by the “Joint Laboratory of Data Intelligence and Urban Future of Zhejiang University-Zhejiang Mobile”. The evaluation system of county urbanization is constructed from the three evaluation dimensions of income fairness, consumption fairness and urban-rural integration(first-level indicators), which includes 9 second-level indicators including indicators like affluence level, development potential and urban-rural income disparity etc. and 26 third-level indicators. Compared with the previous literature, this paper expands in the following two aspects: firstly, this study establishes a theoretical connection between common prosperity and county urbanization, and tries to construct a county urbanization evaluation system from this new perspective. The three-dimensional division of income fairness, consumption fairness and urban-rural integration structurally realizes the organic convergence of the value goal of common prosperity and the policy goal of county urbanization, takes into account the specific requirements of common prosperity on the income side and the consumption side, and also highlights the precision policy of county urbanization on urban-rural integration, which meets the requirements of the top-level design of the evaluation system of high-quality county urbanization based on the goal of common prosperity. Secondly, unlike the existing evaluation system that relies on statistical yearbook data, this research adds big data indicators that are accessible, identifiable, analyzable and replicable to the selection of indicators, so that the indicators not covered by the traditional statistical yearbook data can be meticulously portrayed in real-time feedback, helping to accurately capture the dynamic characteristics of the current urban development, and ultimately combining the advantages of the two to make the evaluation system of county urbanization more scientific and innovative. This study reveals, to a certain extent, the theoretical connotation between the national strategic goal of common prosperity and high-quality urbanization in counties, and the constructed indicator evaluation system not only provides academic references for decision-making and practice of urbanization construction, but also guides local governments to achieve the optimal allocation of resource elements between urban and rural areas and the bidirectional and efficient flow of resources, so as to promote the coordinated advancement of the common prosperity and the integration of urban and rural areas with high-quality development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the auspices of the national strategies for urban-rural integration and rural revitalization, a focus on the functional evolution and spatial reorganization mechanisms of urban agriculture is of great theoretical and practical significance. This paper analyzes research progress in urban agriculture functional transformation and presents key scientific issues in urgent need of attention in future research. This paper aims to promote high-quality, ecologically sound development of urban agriculture and provides a scientific basis for integrated development of urban and rural areas. We have found that: 1) Research into urban agriculture functional transformation mainly focuses on evaluation and division of urban agriculture development transformation into type models, including multi-functional transformation and sustainable development of urban agriculture, spatial organization and production organization pathways of urban agriculture, land use and bidding mechanisms applied to urban agriculture development, and problems arising from urban agriculture and its multi-dimensional effects. At present, research related to the functional transformation of urban agriculture is guided by the theories of agricultural development, agricultural multi-functionality, and agricultural product demand, focusing on land alienation, ownership security, and diversification of agricultural production subjects in the process of urbanization. 2) The development of urban agriculture presents complex characteristics (i.e., it is multi-subject, multi-linkage, and multi-objective), and coordination of mixed social relations based on the demands of different stakeholders can also pose difficulties. The process and results of the cooperative game of urban agricultural space rental competition and subject interests exert crucial impacts on the restructuring of urban agricultural production system and spatial organization. The dynamic mechanisms of functional evolution and spatial reorganization of regional urban agriculture systems need to be studied. An urgent need exists to strengthen research into land bidding, land tenure, and related stakeholders in urban agriculture development from the perspective of regional systems. It is necessary to clarify the basic and dominant factors influencing the evolution of urban agriculture systems based on different scales, subjects, and perspectives and to elucidate the rent competition mechanism underlying spatial reorganization and ecological and environmental effects. 3) Future research needs to solve key scientific issues regarding three aspects of urban agriculture functional transformation. First, from the perspective of the rural-urban continuum, to clarify the interaction linkage and coupling mechanism between endogenous and external forces driving regional functional evolution in urban agricultural systems. Second, to reveal the key mechanism of spatial restructuring of regional urban agricultural systems and clarify synergies among stakeholders and the logic of land bidding. Third, based on the ecological and environmental impacts of the functional evolution of regional urban agriculture systems and spatial reorganization, comparative studies on the ecological impact of regional functional transformation of agricultural systems at different locations on urban-rural spatial gradient transects are needed.

Urban-rural integration (URI) is a global challenge that is highly related to inequalities, poverty, economic growth, and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Existing research has evaluated the extent of URI and explored its influencing factors, but urban-rural linkages are seldom incorporated in evaluation systems, and geographical factors are rarely recognized as the influencing factors. We construct a URI framework including regional economy, rural development, urban-rural linkage, and urban-rural gap. Based on a dataset consisting of 1,669 counties in China in 2020, we reveal the spatial pattern of URI and find a high correlation between the spatial pattern of URI and the relief degree of land surface (RDLS). Using structural equation modeling, we discover that topography has direct (−0.18, p

Under the auspices of the national strategies for urban-rural integration and rural revitalization, a focus on the functional evolution and spatial reorganization mechanisms of urban agriculture is of great theoretical and practical significance. This paper analyzes research progress in urban agriculture functional transformation and presents key scientific issues in urgent need of attention in future research. This paper aims to promote highquality, ecologically sound development of urban agriculture and provides a scientific basis for integrated development of urban and rural areas. We have found that: 1) Research into urban agriculture functional transformation mainly focuses on evaluation and division of urban agriculture development transformation into type models, including multi-functional transformation and sustainable development of urban agriculture, spatial organization and production organization pathways of urban agriculture, land use and bidding mechanisms applied to urban agriculture development, and problems arising from urban agriculture and its multi-dimensional effects. At present, research related to the functional transformation of urban agriculture is guided by the theories of agricultural development, agricultural multi-functionality, and agricultural product demand, focusing on land alienation, ownership security, and diversification of agricultural production subjects in the process of urbanization. 2) The development of urban agriculture presents complex characteristics (i.e., it is multi-subject, multi-linkage, and multi-objective), and coordination of mixed social relations based on the demands of different stakeholders can also pose difficulties. The process and results of the cooperative game of urban agricultural space rental competition and subject interests exert crucial impacts on the restructuring of urban agricultural production system and spatial organization. The dynamic mechanisms of functional evolution and spatial reorganization of regional urban agriculture systems need to be studied. An urgent need exists to strengthen research into land bidding, land tenure, and related stakeholders in urban agriculture development from the perspective of regional systems. It is necessary to clarify the basic and dominant factors influencing the evolution of urban agriculture systems based on different scales, subjects, and perspectives and to elucidate the rent competition mechanism underlying spatial reorganization and ecological and environmental effects. 3) Future research needs to solve key scientific issues regarding three aspects of urban agriculture functional transformation. First, from the perspective of the rural-urban continuum, to clarify the interaction linkage and coupling mechanism between endogenous and external forces driving regional functional evolution in urban agricultural systems. Second, to reveal the key mechanism of spatial restructuring of regional urban agricultural systems and clarify synergies among stakeholders and the logic of land bidding. Third, based on the ecological and environmental impacts of the functional evolution of regional urban agriculture systems and spatial reorganization, comparative studies on the ecological impact of regional functional transformation of agricultural systems at different locations on urban-rural spatial gradient transects are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Soochow University Philosophy & Social Sciences Edition is the property of Soochow University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Agricultural Outlook (1673-3908) is the property of Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Urban–rural integration relies on the rational flow of factors between urban–rural areas. Land represents a closely related factor between urban–rural areas, so the effective utilization of land resources can promote the flow of urban–rural factors. Therefore, there is a certain correlation between land use function and urban–rural integration. The purpose of this study is to explore the coupling and coordination relationship between the two systems and to find out the spatial–temporal differentiation characteristics in the process of land use function and urban–rural integration. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The comprehensive level of land use function and urban–rural integration in Heilongjiang Province shows an overall upward trend, but there is a large differentiation on a municipal scale. (2) The coupling coordination degree of the two systems in Heilongjiang Province shows a spatial distribution pattern of "high in the north and low in the south, high in the middle and low in the east and west". From 2013 to 2022, except for Harbin and Yichun, the overall trend in other regions is gradually upward. (3) The obstacle degree analysis of land use function and urban–rural integration in Heilongjiang Province shows that there is a close correlation of obstacle factors between the two systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of culture and tourism is conductive to the realization of urban-rural integration and rural revitalization. Taking 16 typical traditional villages in Beijing as cases, this study proposes an evaluation system and influencing factor model for the integration of culture and tourism in traditional villages. Based on the TOPSIS model supported by the entropy method, the level of culture and tourism integration in traditional villages is analyzed. Moreover, we discuss the main factors influencing the integration of culture and tourism in traditional villages and their paths by using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA). The results can be summarized in four main areas. (1) The integration of culture and tourism in traditional villages is a dynamic process that continues to promote the comprehensive revitalization by deepening resource integration, advancing product cultivation and strengthening industry functions. (2) There are obvious differences in the development levels of the integration of culture and tourism among the case villages. Specifically, the levels of each village in the four dimensions present the characteristics of differentiation and imbalance. (3) No single factor can capture the necessary and sufficient conditions for the integrated development of culture and tourism. (4) There are three paths influencing the integration of culture and tourism in traditional villages, namely, the mature development path, the rapid development path and the progressive development path, which correspond to their respective combinations of influencing factors. The results of this study can provide theoretical inspiration and scientific guidance for the urban-rural integration and rural revitalization of traditional villages from the perspective of the integration of culture and tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban-rural relationship in China has undergone distinct stages, broadly categorized as follows: coordinated development and rural-urban integration. During the initial phase of rural-urban integration, certain townships pursued collaboration with cities possessing high-scale functional zones, aiming to gain increased autonomy in economic management. This approach facilitated the expansion of high-scale functional zones from cities to rural regions. The evolving urban-rural relationship in China has led to an intricate socio-spatial structure characterized by an overlap of high- and low-scale functional zones, forming an embedded complex. Although the TPSN (Territory-Place-Scale-Network) model offers a valuable framework for describing the changing dimensions of this structure, it fails to explain the causative factors behind these changes or accurately delineate the process of such transformations. Hence, we employed the ASID (Agency-Structure-Institution-Discourse) framework as an analytical tool to examine the two stages of the Guangzhou-Qingyuan Economic Special Cooperation Zone (GQESCZ) as a case study. Results of this study revealed that GQESCZ exhibited a pronounced embedded complex. The high-scale Guangzhou Development Zone (a national-level economic development zone) is nested within several township-level administrative regions of Qingyuan. In the first stage of GQESCZ, Qingyuan, serving as a superior government to Yingde, operated as a local leader, akin to the roles played by Foshan and Guangdong. Its objective was to facilitate the development of a cooperation zone and enhance regional public interests. However, during the second stage of GQESCZ, both Qingyuan and Guangzhou took on the roles of institutional actors and underwent significant identity changes. Qingyuan exhibited varying actor roles throughout different stages of urban-rural integration, emphasizing how actor categories evolved in line with their objectives. The various actor categories involved in spatial production served as strategic tools for achieving their respective objectives. Also, we found that hegemonic discourse generated a heightened sense of political responsibility within the Guangdong provincial government, thus elevating expectations for urban-rural integration projects. To meet these provincial government aspirations, both Guangzhou and Qingyuan opted to undertake urban-rural integration projects in well-established industrial parks. To mitigate the risk of project failure, the Guangdong provincial government has delegated significant authority to the municipal governments responsible for these projects. This delegation allocated responsibilities and powers between the provincial and municipal levels. Provincial governments simultaneously transferred both power and responsibility to local governments, aiming to minimize the accountability risks associated with these projects. Furthermore, this approach provided substantial authorization, enabling local governments to execute urban-rural integration projects to high standards. Importantly, during the formation of the embedded complex in GQESCZ, both the Guangdong provincial and local governments displayed a clear preference for blame-avoidance. An effective role is never played by specific socio-spatial forms but rather by social actors who are embedded within and utilize these spatial forms. This realization emphasizes that, in the study of social spatial theory, the significance of a specific socio-spatial form can only be assessed from the perspective of the participating actors. This study analyzed the production process of social space from the perspective of the local government's blame-avoidance preference, thus bridging the gap between socio-spatial theory and blame-avoidance game theory. Findings of this study indicate the importance of fostering diverse forms of intercity cooperation, thereby capitalizing on the adaptability offered by flexible spatial delineation methods, such as embedded complexes. This approach facilitates the expansion of cross-boundary governance overseen by core city governments and supports the re-territorialization of urban capital. Simultaneously, it is crucial to proactively employ rigid measures, such as administrative division adjustments, to safeguard the accomplishments of institutional reforms stemming from embedded complexes.

Rapid urbanization leads to fragmentation and reduced connectivity of urban landscapes, endangering regional biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Constructing a red, green, and blue spatial ecological network is an effective way to alleviate ecological pressure and promote economic development. Using circuit theory, hydrological analysis, and suitability analysis, this study constructs a composite ecological network under urban–rural integration. The results show the following: (1) A total of 22 ecological corridors with a length of 349.20 km, 22 ecological pinch points, and 22 ecological barrier points are identified in the municipal area, mainly distributed in Haidong Town. There are 504 stormwater corridors, which are more evenly distributed, 502 riverfront landscape corridors, and 130 slow-moving landscape corridors. (2) A total of 20 ecological corridors, with a length of 99.23 km, 19 ecological pinch points, and 25 barrier points were identified in the main urban area, and most of them are located in the ecological corridors. There are 71 stormwater corridors, mainly located in the northwestern forest area, 71 riverfront recreation corridors, and 50 slow-moving recreation corridors. (3) Two scales of superimposed ecological source area of 3.65 km2, and eleven ecological corridors, are primarily distributed between Erhai Lake and Xiaguan Town. There are two superimposed stormwater corridors and fourteen recreational corridors. The eco-nodes are mostly distributed in the east and south of Dali City; wetland nodes are mainly situated in the eighteen streams of Cangshan Mountain; and landscape nodes are more balanced in spatial distribution. The study results can provide a reference for composite ecological network construction.

Coordinating the construction of villages and towns with the county as the basic unit and promoting the optimal allocation of infrastructure and public utilities within the county is an important measure to improve the rural habitat and enhance the well-being of residents. Using the field survey data from western China and the IPA-Kano model method, this study reveals the importance of the impact of habitat environment on life satisfaction in county seat, town and village communities, and identifies the priorities for improvement and enhancement in light of their actual performance. The empirical analysis found that the three types of communities have some differences in the classification of basic factors, key performance factors and excitement factors, and their priorities for improvement are also different. Overall, the improvement priorities of town and village communities are relatively similar, and the differences between the two types of communities and county seat’s communities are obvious. Differentiated improvement measures should be adopted for different types of communities in order to effectively improve the well-being of residents and achieve rational allocation of public resources.

This paper focuses on the level of urban–rural integration development and its spatio–temporal evolution patterns in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. It constructs an evaluation indicator system encompassing five dimensions: population, economy, society, ecology, and space. By comprehensively using statistical data and multi-source spatio–temporal data and employing methods such as the entropy method, ESDA, obstacle degree model, and various statistical techniques, the study measures and analyzes the level of urban–rural integration development at three time points: 2010, 2015, and 2020. The findings are as follows: (1) The overall level of urban–rural integration is low, predominantly at low to lower-middle levels, with a clear core-periphery spatial pattern where central urban areas such as Chengdu’s central seven districts and Chongqing’s central urban districts are high-value cores, whereas peripheral and central regional areas are less integrated. (2) From 2010 to 2020, there was a steady increase in integration levels, transitioning from a single-core to a more dynamic point-axis structure with emerging regional growth poles. However, this transition was accompanied by reduced inequality of urban–rural integration within each city, while disparities among central urban areas within its cities gradually increased. (3) The analysis of obstacles across dimensions indicates that spatial integration faces the most significant barriers, mainly due to geographical conditions and development constraints in southwestern mountainous counties. In contrast, barriers to economic and social integration, though initially lower, have gradually increased, highlighting imbalances between economic growth and social service provision. Overall, this study not only provides a systematic measurement and analytical framework for the integration and development of urban and rural areas in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle but also offers theoretical and empirical support for global research and practice on urban–rural integration. Additionally, it proposes targeted policy recommendations.

The concentrated living of farmers is an important engine for rural revitalization and a new type of urbanization, thus is of great significance for the construction of a resource-saving society. Due to rapid economic development in China, some farmers have successfully urbanized through rural–urban migration, but still more than 500 million farmers, have not migrated yet. Concentrated residence has long been recognized as the best strategy to help Chinese farmers to achieve local urbanization, and has been paid much attention in the local, regional, national and global scientific community. Although robust models and policies are still lagging behind because of insufficient datasets and models. In this study, empirical model has been used in which concentrated residence cases of farmers in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province of China taken as a case study, and strength (S), weakness (W), opportunities (O) and threats (T) as the criterion layer to identify 16 influencing factors as the index layer. For this study, data was collected during 2021 & 2022 by questioner-based survey from 6 different settlements, and AHP analytic hierarchy model integrated with SWOT was used to built farmers' concentrated residence strategies. The positioning coordinates of this study show the following weightage like S (0.480, 0), W (-0.098, 0), O (0, 0.306), and T (0, −0.116) which clearly mentions that S and O as positive influences, W and T as negative influences, and locates the respective total weights. Therefore, empirical results indicate that SO (growth-oriented) strategy should be emphasized to build robust strategies for concentrated residence of farmers. The findings of this study can provide a benign model for centralized residence for local governments, village collectives, and farmers withdrawing from homestead, and help to promote the sustainable development of society.

Urban–rural integration has become an effective way to promote the high-quality development of the tourism economy in China's policy evolution. Based on provincial panel data for China for the last ten years, this paper measured the high-quality-development level of the tourism economy based on multi-dimensional indicators, including by empirically analyzing the influence mechanisms in urban–rural integration. We found that urban–rural integration has a positive empowering effect on the high-quality development of the tourism economy as a whole, with the integration of urban and rural areas in the central and eastern regions playing a considerable role; however, its role in the western region is not obvious. This was shown through an analysis of the mediating effect by which urban–rural integration empowers the high-quality development of the tourism economy by improving residents' income levels. However, urban–rural integration does not empower the high-quality development of the tourism economy through technological innovation, which instead has a covering effect. This paper makes suggestions on three levels: country, region, and enterprise. Firstly, at the national level, we suggest strengthening the overall planning for the high-quality development of the tourism economy, as well as improving its construction system. Secondly, at the regional level, governments at all levels should emphasize the functional differences between urban and rural areas and regional characteristics. Finally, at the enterprise level, enterprises in the western region should seize the opportunities provided by urban–rural integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer of land development rights (TDR) is a significant policy tool for advancing urban–rural integration. This study establishes an analytical framework to examine the influence mechanism of TDR on urban–rural integration, considering the flow of land, capital, and population factors. Furthermore, an indicator system is developed to evaluate urban–rural integration across economic, social, and population dimensions. Using panel data from Chongqing, China (2013 to 2019), this article adopts the global principal component analysis (GPCA) method and time-varying difference-in-difference (TV-DID) model to analyze the effects of the land quota trading project, known as the 'Dipiao' policy. The results show that TDR can effectively promote urban–rural integration, though with a four-year time lag. Heterogeneous effects of TDR on urban–rural integration are observed across different districts and counties, with the more pronounced promotion in areas characterized by low agricultural land value or high industrial land value. This study further analyzes the influence mechanism of TDR on urban–rural integration. It concludes with policy implications on improving TDR to promote urban–rural integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban-rural relationship in China has undergone distinct stages, broadly categorized as follows: coordinated development and rural-urban integration. During the initial phase of rural-urban integration, certain townships pursued collaboration with cities possessing high-scale functional zones, aiming to gain increased autonomy in economic management. This approach facilitated the expansion of high-scale functional zones from cities to rural regions. The evolving urban-rural relationship in China has led to an intricate socio-spatial structure characterized by an overlap of high- and low-scale functional zones, forming an embedded complex. Although the TPSN (Territory-Place-Scale-Network) model offers a valuable framework for describing the changing dimensions of this structure, it fails to explain the causative factors behind these changes or accurately delineate the process of such transformations. Hence, we employed the ASID (Agency-Structure-Institution-Discourse) framework as an analytical tool to examine the two stages of the Guangzhou-Qingyuan Economic Special Cooperation Zone (GQESCZ) as a case study. Results of this study revealed that GQESCZ exhibited a pronounced embedded complex. The high-scale Guangzhou Development Zone (a national-level economic development zone) is nested within several township-level administrative regions of Qingyuan. In the first stage of GQESCZ, Qingyuan, serving as a superior government to Yingde, operated as a local leader, akin to the roles played by Foshan and Guangdong. Its objective was to facilitate the development of a cooperation zone and enhance regional public interests. However, during the second stage of GQESCZ, both Qingyuan and Guangzhou took on the roles of institutional actors and underwent significant identity changes. Qingyuan exhibited varying actor roles throughout different stages of urban-rural integration, emphasizing how actor categories evolved in line with their objectives. The various actor categories involved in spatial production served as strategic tools for achieving their respective objectives. Also, we found that hegemonic discourse generated a heightened sense of political responsibility within the Guangdong provincial government, thus elevating expectations for urban-rural integration projects. To meet these provincial government aspirations, both Guangzhou and Qingyuan opted to undertake urban-rural integration projects in well-established industrial parks. To mitigate the risk of project failure, the Guangdong provincial government has delegated significant authority to the municipal governments responsible for these projects. This delegation allocated responsibilities and powers between the provincial and municipal levels. Provincial governments simultaneously transferred both power and responsibility to local governments, aiming to minimize the accountability risks associated with these projects. Furthermore, this approach provided substantial authorization, enabling local governments to execute urban-rural integration projects to high standards. Importantly, during the formation of the embedded complex in GQESCZ, both the Guangdong provincial and local governments displayed a clear preference for blame-avoidance. An effective role is never played by specific socio-spatial forms but rather by social actors who are embedded within and utilize these spatial forms. This realization emphasizes that, in the study of social spatial theory, the significance of a specific socio-spatial form can only be assessed from the perspective of the participating actors. This study analyzed the production process of social space from the perspective of the local government's blame-avoidance preference, thus bridging the gap between socio-spatial theory and blame-avoidance game theory. Findings of this study indicate the importance of fostering diverse forms of intercity cooperation, thereby capitalizing on the adaptability offered by flexible spatial delineation methods, such as embedded complexes. This approach facilitates the expansion of cross-boundary governance overseen by core city governments and supports the reterritorialization of urban capital. Simultaneously, it is crucial to proactively employ rigid measures, such as administrative division adjustments, to safeguard the accomplishments of institutional reforms stemming from embedded complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the context of sustainable development, urban–rural integration is not solely focused on high economic growth but has been expanded to a wider range of social and ecological fields. Objectives: To analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of the coupling coordination level of urban–rural economic, social and ecological integration subsystems in the Yangtze River Delta and to explore its main obstacles, in order to provide countermeasures to promote the sustainable development of urban and rural areas. Methods: Panel data of 16 cities in the core area of the Yangtze River Delta from 2005 to 2020 were selected, and the entropy method was used to calculate the comprehensive development level of each subsystem, based on which the coupling coordination degree was measured by the coupling coordination model, and the obstacle degree of each indicator was obtained by the obstacle degree model. Outcomes: The urban–rural integration level kept a steady rise, and the "economy–society–ecology" coordination level transformed from borderline imbalances to moderate coordination. The high-value areas presented an initial "Π" shape distribution that later turned into a ">" shape, while the backward areas were primarily located at both ends of the north and south. The key obstacle factors included per capita GDP, population urbanization rate, urban and rural basic pension insurance coverage, faculty–student ratio in urban and rural primary and middle schools, per capita park green land, road network density and fertilizer application per unit area of sown. Recommendations: The systematic coordination of urban–rural integration should be promoted according to local conditions, with emphasis on broadening urban–rural communication channels, promoting the equalization of urban–rural public services and establishing the urban–rural collaborative mechanism for environmental maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development level of urban–rural integration is an important prerequisite to the investigation of the evolution of urban–rural relations. In this study, we use a hybrid method to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of the urban–rural integration development levels of 27 central cities in the Yangtze River Delta for the period between 2003 and 2018. The results show that the urban–rural integration development level (urban–rural integration degree) in the region has significantly improved during the research period; yet, the imbalance between cities is still prominent. Areas with a high integration degree are concentrated in the central and eastern parts (including Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Shanghai, Changzhou, and Hangzhou), and the degree decreases in surrounding areas. The main influencing factors (the corresponding influence degree value) are the ratio of nonagricultural employment (11.86%–12.91%), urban and rural unemployment insurance coverage (11.87%–12.78%), and urban and rural endowment insurance coverage (10.24%–11.27%). Urban space expansion, urban and rural Engel coefficient, and dual-contrast coefficient are concentrated between 6.32% and 7.89%. The strategy-oriented development suggestions are put forward based on the SWOT strategic analysis map for further development. The research results of this paper can also serve as useful tips for achieving urban–rural integration in other countries and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the panel data of five provinces in northwest China in 2011, this study used spatial panel data and threshold models to empirically explore the impact mechanism of urban-rural integration on agricultural carbon emission intensity. The results show that improvement in the level of urban-rural integration has a significant inhibitory effect on agricultural carbon emission intensity, with obvious spatial spillover characteristics. Economic growth has a single threshold effect in influencing urban-rural integration on agricultural carbon emission intensity. When economic growth reaches a certain stage, the inhibitory effect of urban-rural integration on agricultural carbon emission intensity is relatively weakened. Industrial structure, agricultural development, disaster degree, agricultural mechanization level, and other factors also have spatial spillover effects on agricultural emission intensity and varying degrees of impact. Based on these findings, some suggestions concerning the development of low-carbon agriculture in northwest China are offered from the perspective of strengthening the regional coordination of urban-rural integration, formulating the development strategy of urban-rural integration, and promoting the transformation and upgrading of agricultural structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordinated development of urban and rural areas is an important measure for releasing the potential of domestic demand and promoting industrial upgrading. The development of rural industries in metropolitan areas, especially those with rural characteristics, is an important pathway for achieving comprehensive rural revitalization and promoting urban and rural integration in the metropolitan area. Based on the development goal of promoting rural industries in metropolitan areas, this study constructed a performance evaluation index system, including industrial development, industrial integration, rural construction, and farmers' life, and applied the TOPSIS method to evaluate the development of rural characteristic industries in the metropolitan area of Xi'an. The results indicated that the overall development performance of rural characteristic industries in the metropolitan area was at a medium level. The developmental performance at the level of "primary industry-secondary industry-tertiary industry" integration was relatively good, with a certain extension of the industrial chain and expansion of industrial functions, and certain economic benefits were created in this process. However, the development of rural characteristic industries has not effectively driven the development of rural society. In terms of space, the development of rural characteristic industries in the metropolitan area presents a circular distribution feature that decreases from the core circle to the outer circle. In terms of types, there are significant differences in the development levels between the different types, and the weaknesses of different industries vary. Based on these considerations, the key pathway for the collaborative and typified development of regional characteristic industries is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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With the continuous advancement of our country's urban-rural integration process, the basic conditions of rural population, employment, and transportation have undergone great changes, forming a "new village" model characterized by mobility, and rural basic public service facilities have also emerged. The new problem of supply and demand mismatch. This paper studies the configuration of basic public service facilities in 92 reserved villages outside the urban development boundary of Xiamen City, and establishes an evaluation model based on configuration standards to classify the villages. After classification, under the guidance of Maslow's theory of needs, the villages are investigated, and new problems found, such as the differences between the configured facilities and the actual needs of the villagers, and the lack of information feedback channels. In this regard, this paper proposes a combination of bottom-up villagers' demand feedback and top-down normative requirements to form a new configuration model based on cross-border sharing of facilities, and conducts accessibility verification on the improved configuration model. Finally, it summarizes the allocation measures and suggestions of the two basic rural public service facilities, the overall allocation of facilities and the communication mechanism between the government and the village, and makes a meaningful exploration of the allocation mode of rural public service facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of rural areas usually has a positive impact on the urban-rural integration. This study explores an innovative approach to stimulate rural development by proposing qualified villages as central villages that can provide basic urban services for their residents and residents of neighboring villages. This approach can contribute to overcoming the various problems that rural areas faced at the social, economic, and environmental levels. It seeks to achieve spatial sustainability of rural areas, representing a new approach by integrating urban development methods to revitalize rural villages. The study analyzed 15 villages in Abbasiya District of AL Kufa City in the Najaf Governorate of Iraq. Based on the GIS techniques and the analysis of urban service indicators (village population, percentage of urban building materials used in villages, distance between village and health centers, distance between village and main roads, nature of economic activity, distance between village and educational institutions, distance between village and drinking water sources, number of communication towers, and distance between village and urban administrative center), this study proposed that Abu Gharb and Albu Ghraib can served as central villages in Abbasiya District in the future. This study establishes a new rural spatial structure to achieve rural sustainable development, improves the development status of rural areas, and provides a theoretical basis for the government and relevant institutions to use urban service indicators achieving rural sustainable development and formulating relevant development policies in Abbasiya District.