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Arid Land Geography ›› 2022, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (1): 251-262.doi: 10.12118/j.issn.1000–6060.2021.160

• Regional Development • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Spatial and temporal differences and driving factors of the green development of urbanization in Xinjiang

ZHANG Junmin1(),RONG Cheng1,MA Yuxiang2()   

  1. 1. College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541000, Guangxi, China
    2. College of Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China
  • Received:2021-04-03 Revised:2021-06-25 Online:2022-01-25 Published:2022-01-21
  • Contact: Yuxiang MA E-mail:1843479024@qq.com;myxiang@shzu.edu.cn

Abstract:

As the key point of western development and the core area of “The Belt and Road” urbanization in Xinjiang, China has distinct regional characteristics and geographic attributes. Scientific diagnosis and identification of driving factors for green urbanization can provide empirical evidence for overall border development and security planning. According to the theory of green development and spatial structure, using entropy method, geostatistical analysis, and exploratory spatial analysis method, based on the ArcGIS spatial analysis platform, the spatial and temporal differentiation pattern of urbanization green development in 14 prefectures (cities) in Xinjiang of China in 2008—2018 has been studied. The mentioned conclusions have been reached: (1) Xinjiang’s urbanization is characterized by a lack of green development, slow growth, and a lack of spatial dependence and heterogeneity. Furthermore, there is significant core-periphery differentiation between southern and northern Xinjiang, and the development of population, economy, society, and ecological urbanization is not coordinated. The localized and introverted functions of land bridges and resources are more prominent, while the geopolitical functions such as globalization and openness of ports and passages are not obvious. (2) The scale of urban population and ecological endowments are more important in the temporal and spatial differentiation of urbanization green development than economic growth, and social urbanization is lower; moreover, the economic and social functions have increased significantly, and the homogeneity and isomorphism of the temporal and spatial differentiation of urbanization are becoming stronger. (3) The GDP per capita is the core driver of the temporal and spatial differentiation of green development, and quality and efficiency are the most important driving force for the green development of Xinjiang’s urbanization; investment scale and benefits, education, culture, and medical construction are effective ways of green development. Foreign trade, population agglomeration, and structural upgrading, on the other hand, are weak and growing slowly. The government should concentrate on developing new production capacity and new impetus for green urbanization, actively participating in global and regional economic and trade cooperation, accelerating integration into the domestic and international dual cycle, and improving infrastructure and public service guarantees.

Key words: green development, temporal and spatial differentiation, driving factors, geographic detectors, northern and southern Xinjiang