Hosted by the Program on Chinese Cities （PCC）
09/25/2025 6:20 PM-6:30 PM EST
Presenter: Yicong Tian
Ph.D, majoring in Public Management, Beijing Normal University
Visiting scholar, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Supervisor: Prof. Yan Song
Abstract:
Counties are the third-level administrative units in China and serve as key connections between urban and rural areas. Understanding population distribution patterns at the county level is essential for promoting sustainable urbanization. This research proposal addresses three main aspects. First, population spatial structure and green development efficiency. Using gridded population and built-up land datasets, a county-level settlement population dataset will be constructed. The relationship between population concentration or dispersion and development efficiency will be assessed through comprehensive measurements of population spatial structure and green development efficiency. Second, urban–rural population distribution patterns and their influencing factors. Guided by the “density–distance–division” framework, this study will examine the concentration and dispersion, as well as the connection and division of urban–rural populations under different geographic, economic, and resource conditions, and explore the mechanisms driving these patterns. Third, spatial distribution and optimization of public services. Based on POI data for education and healthcare, the study will evaluate the alignment and spatial coupling between public service resources and population distribution, providing policy recommendations for optimizing service layouts. All of these analyses aim to deepen the understanding of county-level population spatial characteristics and their relationship with development efficiency and service provision, offering empirical evidence and practical guidance for sustainable urbanization.