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Measurement of Urban–Rural Integration Development Level and Diagnosis of Obstacle Factors: Evidence from the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration, China

Author

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  • Qiuyi Wu

    (School of Economics and Management, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China)

  • Wei Chang

    (School of Economics and Management, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China)

  • Mengfei Song

    (School of Economics and Management, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China)

  • Honghui Zhu

    (School of Economics and Management, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China)

Abstract

Advancing urban–rural integration (URI) is pivotal to addressing the current urban–rural development imbalance in China. The urban agglomeration, as a crucial engine propelling China’s modernization, holds significant importance in accelerating this integration process. Comprehensive quantitative analysis of URI development within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration is often lacking in existing research. This study constructs an indicator system for evaluating the level of integration using data from 14 cities in the region from 2010 to 2022, focusing on economic, social, and ecological perspectives. Utilizing the Coupling Coordination Model and the Obstacle Degree Model, this study analyzes the level and evolutionary trends of URI development within the BTH urban agglomeration. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The level of URI in the BTH urban agglomeration exhibits an overall upward trend, increasing from 0.377 in 2010 to 0.543 in 2022. The economic, social, and ecological subsystems all demonstrate positive integration trends. (2) The spatial evolution of the integration level reveals a distinct core–periphery structure. Beijing and Tianjin, as the core areas, continuously foster the collaborative development of surrounding cities through radiation and spillover effects. The core of URI has shifted gradually from the central–east to the central–north, indicating an upward movement of the core area, as revealed by trend surface analysis. Although Shijiazhuang, a central city in the South BTH urban agglomeration, has seen rapid improvement in integration levels, its role in driving development is less significant than that of Beijing and Tianjin. (3) The URI subsystems in the 14 cities of the BTH urban agglomeration show improved coordination. The coordination development between Beijing and Tianjin has yielded significant results, emerging as a key driver in promoting the coordinated development of urban agglomerations. Most regions in the urban agglomeration exhibit mild imbalance or coordination, with the central and northern areas scoring higher in coordination. (4) The obstacles analysis indicates that the economic integration and social integration systems are the primary obstacles to enhancing the ecological integration of urban agglomerations. Urban–rural transportation, investment levels, and economic development are key obstacles for the BTH urban agglomeration integrated development. This study offers key insights for strategic planning in the BTH urban agglomeration region.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiuyi Wu & Wei Chang & Mengfei Song & Honghui Zhu, 2025. "Measurement of Urban–Rural Integration Development Level and Diagnosis of Obstacle Factors: Evidence from the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:261-:d:1577605
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen, Kunqiu & Long, Hualou & Liao, Liuwen & Tu, Shuangshuang & Li, Tingting, 2020. "Land use transitions and urban-rural integrated development: Theoretical framework and China’s evidence," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
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    1. Youming Dong & Long Li & Xianjin Huang, 2025. "Spatiotemporal Differentiation and Driving Factors of Urban–Rural Integration in Counties of Yangtze River Economic Belt," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-20, April.

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