Analyzing space-time evolution of rural transition in a rapidly urbanizing region: A case study of Suzhou, China

Influenced by globalization, rural transition in developed Western countries has experienced processes of productivism, post-productivism, and multifunctional development. By contrast, most developing been accompanied rapid urbanization, which become a core topic geography research. As the world’s largest country, China undergone profound development since reform opening-up. Moreover, spaces some eastern coastal areas have entered stage reconstruction after decades industrialization urbanization. This paper takes Suzhou as case area measures process from 1990 to 2015 constructing an index system. It then analyzes characteristics space-time evolution using exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) methods reveal influence economic social on transition. The results show that transition, generally entails weakening rurality enhancing urbanity macro scale, tends be heterogeneous across different regions micro scale. argues multifunctionality will main future trend rapidly urbanizing areas. experience could provide example for establishing policies sustainable achieving urban-rural co-governance.