Spatial Effects and Impact Mechanisms of New-Type Urbanization on Land Use Efficiency at the County Level in Zhejiang Province, China

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of new-type urbanization on land use efficiency and its spatial spillover effects, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical references for improving land resource allocation and optimizing regional development strategies. Using panel data from 61 counties in Zhejiang Province between 2010 and 2022, this research applies a two-way fixed effects model, supplemented by mediation effect analysis and spatial econometric models, to empirically examine these relationships. The results indicate that: (1) both the level of new-type urbanization and land use efficiency show an overall upward trend, exhibiting a spatial pattern characterized by “coastal regions outperforming inland areas, and northern Zhejiang surpassing the south”; (2) new-type urbanization exerts a significantly positive impact on land use efficiency, with industrial structure upgrading serving as a partial mediator in this relationship; (3) significant spatial spillover effects are observed—new-type urbanization not only enhances local land use efficiency but also generates positive spillovers to neighboring regions through spatial diffusion mechanisms; (4) the influence of new-type urbanization on land use efficiency displays regional heterogeneity, with stronger promoting effects observed in coastal and low-efficiency areas, whereas marginal effects diminish in non-coastal and high-efficiency regions. In conclusion, strategic priorities should be established to enhance the quality of new-type urbanization, foster green and intensive development, optimize the industrial structure, and strengthen land conservation practices. Furthermore, region-specific policies are essential to improve land use efficiency across diverse areas, which will ultimately contribute to coordinated regional development.