Measuring Spatial Structure of China’s Megaregions

Abstract

Reflecting upon China’s current path of regional urbanization, this research studies the polycentric structure of China’s megaregions. It defines the concept and measurement for megaregional polycentricity and utilizes the spatial statistics tool—standard deviational ellipse of directional distribution—to measure the demographic spatial pattern of individual megaregions. The result reveals that most megaregions in China do not have significant polycentricity. They are either dominated by a single major center or by a number of major centers clustered closely. A challenge for China’s megaregional development is to explore the potential policy instruments that can promote a more polycentric megaregional spatial pattern and more balanced spatial development.