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Indicators shaping urban greenspace spatial performance in China: A systematic review of the literature

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  • Peng, Xi
  • Jin, Yunfeng
  • Girling, Cynthia
  • Wu, Shaocheng

Abstract

China’s urban development is shifting from a focus on speed to a pursuit of quality, placing new demands on the planning, design, and governance of urban greenspaces as essential public goods. This study systematically reviews 49 empirical articles published between 2016 and 2021 to synthesize the spatial performance of urban greenspaces in China across three key dimensions: accessibility, vitality, and equity. Drawing from a structured literature search and multi-stage screening protocol, we identify and classify a diverse set of performance indicators and analytical methods. Our findings reveal that accessibility is shaped by both geographic and socioeconomic factors; vitality is influenced by internal attributes, external land use context, and user behavior; and equity assessments emphasize the need to address distributional justice for vulnerable populations. This study proposes a comprehensive indicator framework and quantitative evaluation methods that support evidence-based greenspace planning and governance. These insights contribute to enhancing the social benefits of greenspaces and promote refined and equitable urban greenspace management.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng, Xi & Jin, Yunfeng & Girling, Cynthia & Wu, Shaocheng, 2025. "Indicators shaping urban greenspace spatial performance in China: A systematic review of the literature," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:195:y:2025:i:c:s0305750x25002347
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2025.107148
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    References listed on IDEAS

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