Distribution Dynamics And Convergence Among 75 Cities And Counties In Yangtze River Delta In China: 1990–2005

This paper applies the distribution dynamics method to study the per capita income disparity from 1990 to 2005 among the 75 cities and counties in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). The main conclusions are as follows: Firstly, the distribution of per capita income across the YRD has changed from being bi†modal to being positively skewed over the period 1990–2005; the income disparity lessened in the 8th Five†Year Plan, increased in the 9th Five†Year Plan, and then reduced again somewhat in the 10th Five†Year Plan. Secondly, the main contribution to disparity comes from the intra disparity of the Jiangsu region which is bi†modal over the period. Thirdly, the rich and poor cities developed independently and steadily at different speeds. Fourthly, convergence in the YRD is caused by the decline of the rich cities rather than progress by the poor cities. Finally, there is relative independence in the region's development, but over the long†term, the YRD indicates a trend of convergence.