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Sustainable Urban-Rural Symbiosis in China: A Study from the Symbiosis Theory Perspective on Level Measurement and Spatial Difference Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Ping Wang

    (School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, China)

  • Bin Guo

    (School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, China)

  • Zeliang Sun

    (School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, China)

Abstract

Urban-rural imbalance impedes sustainable development in modernizing nations. This paper examines China’s urban-rural relations via symbiosis theory, building a model and index system to assess urban-rural symbiosis, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Focusing on 31 provinces and cities in China, this study uses data from 2022 and the entropy weight method to evaluate the current urban-rural symbiosis relationship in China. Findings highlight unsustainable urban-rural relations: Firstly, imbalances persist between urban and rural areas in China regarding resource allocation, public services, and development speed, hindering sustainable and equitable development. Secondly, spatial differentiation and insufficient flow of factors significantly restrict the development of urban-rural symbiosis, impacting resource efficiency and balanced regional growth. Thirdly, the levels of cultural and ecological symbiosis between urban and rural areas are low and uneven, posing risks to environmental sustainability and social cohesion. Recommendations include strengthening rural units for collaboration, using counties to improve the symbiosis interface, and optimizing the symbiotic environment. These measures aim to guide, incentivize, coordinate, and protect positive urban-rural relations, driving symbiosis towards a more balanced, inclusive, sustainable urban-rural development model for China, offering insights for similar nations.

Suggested Citation

  • Ping Wang & Bin Guo & Zeliang Sun, 2025. "Sustainable Urban-Rural Symbiosis in China: A Study from the Symbiosis Theory Perspective on Level Measurement and Spatial Difference Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:2790-:d:1617046
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fan, Shenggen & Chan-Kang, Connie, 2008. "Regional road development, rural and urban poverty: Evidence from China," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 15(5), pages 305-314, September.
    2. Zhao, Pengjun & Wan, Jie, 2021. "Land use and travel burden of residents in urban fringe and rural areas: An evaluation of urban-rural integration initiatives in Beijing," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    3. Xinggu Liu & Youxi Luo & Yifan Zhu & Linyi Guo, 2024. "Research on the Measurement and Effects of Urban–Rural Integration and Modernization in National Central Cities," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 173(3), pages 827-866, July.
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