Analysis of Regional Social–Economic Spatial Pattern and Evolution along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal

A decade-long analysis of socio-economic development along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal reveals fragmented growth patterns, with limited economic agglomeration despite high regional development levels. The study employed a multi-dimensional index—spanning economic growth, livelihood benefits, green ecology, innovation, and food security—to assess disparities using entropy weight, Moran, and Theil indices. While overall social-economic agglomeration increased from 2011 to 2021, cities exhibited distinct developmental trajectories, suggesting opportunities for inter-city learning to foster coordinated progress in this UNESCO-listed cultural corridor.

Bian, D., Zhang, M., Kong, L., Huang, B., & Hu, D. (2024). Analysis of Regional Social–Economic Spatial Pattern and Evolution along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal. Sustainability, 16(4), 1527. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041527