A New Approach to Rural Classification Based on the Filter-Method System: An Empirical Study in Nanning, South China

Rural revitalization is a strategic plan to address sustainable rural development in China and is an important revitalization task for Chinese villages. Rural classification is a key strategy for clarifying the direction and positioning of rural development and providing scientific policy decision-making Based on the findings of previous research on rural classification, we propose a new method for rural classification—the filter-method classification system. The operational steps of the classification are as follows: determining the type of villages, implementing the qualitative filter-method, implementing the quantitative filter-method, testing and feedback, and formulating the development guidelines. A total of 1425 villages in Nanning, the capital city of Guangxi, were classified. The classification results show that villages in Nanning city can be divided into four primary categories and eight secondary categories. The accuracy of the primary categories in the classification results was tested to verify the scientific objectivity and applicability of the classification idea and mode. Finally, development suggestions are presented based on the results of the classification of villages. The study results provide a reference for further rural classification work to help rural revitalization and improve the rural classification methodology and the scientific objectivity of classification. It also provides the basis for sustainable monitoring of rural development.