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The determinants of city population in China

Author

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  • Daidai Shen

    (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)

  • Jean Claude Thill

    (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)

  • Jiuwen Sun

    (Renmin University of China)

Abstract

In this paper, the determinants of the urban population in China are empirically investigated with a theoretical equilibrium model of city size. While much of the research on urban size focuses on the impact of agglomeration economies based on the “optimal city size” theory, this model is eschewed in our study due to its theoretical paradox in the real world, and we turn instead toward an equilibrium model proposed by Camagni et al. (2013). This equilibrium model is estimated on a sample of 262 prefectural cities in China with panel data analysis. Empirical results partially validate theory, but some estimates reflect the status of China as a developing country. The analysis also reveals determinants have impacts on Chinese cities that vary with the stage of economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Daidai Shen & Jean Claude Thill & Jiuwen Sun, 2021. "The determinants of city population in China," Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 289-304, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:apjors:v:5:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s41685-020-00170-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s41685-020-00170-8
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