Realistic characteristics and driving mechanisms of pseudo-human settlements in Chinese cities

Abstract Pseudo-human settlements (PHS) reflect the subjective wishes and needs of residents. An in-depth characterization PHS aids in clarifying actual development future directions city from residents’ perspective. China is currently undergoing high-speed urbanization advocates improving quality cities. It particularly important to test achievements through PHS. This study quantitatively analyses spatiotemporal characteristics realistic driving mechanism 286 Chinese cities spatial autocorrelation analysis geographic detectors. The results indicate that (1) level exhibited notable hierarchical differences (high eastern coastal regions low western inland regions), with weak positive characteristics; (2) nighttime light index, per capital GRP, population size are major drivers heterogeneity functional structure PHS; (3) followed an emergence-development-maturity-decline-extinction life cycle. Overall, must play a leading role high-level areas, urban decision-makers should clarify adapt local preferences predict changes. findings this can help other countries promote by unveiling